Re: Working with regd Medical Practitioners(RMPS)

[Guest guest]

Friends,

I am sharing some of our experiences in working with private medical

practioners in a muncipal area.

Center For Development Initiatives (CDI) made an attempt to train the local

Private Medical Practitioners on various aspects in the Management of

HIV/AIDS, over a period of one year. The results are quite encouraging and

promising. Earlier many doctors reported not providing any services to PLHs

and referring them to government hospitals in Mumbai. Evaluations about the

changes in the service delivery show that participants of the programs spent

more time with patients. Following are some the changes reported. Counseling

is given more importance. Referrals to the center for counseling and support

services have increased. Many PLHs have reported satisfaction in the quality

time given to them by doctors.

Another key outcome of the programs was, doctors themselves identifying the

need to train the nursing and other support staff. Together we organized the

first-ever training program for nurses working in private nursing homes in

the area.

This was part of an attempt to involve private medical practitioners as one

of the key actors in providing services to PLHs and the affected locally.

This is the sharing by one of the participant about the changes after

attending four workshops " Earlier, before seeing an HIV report, I would wear

gloves. Now I sit and talk to my patients, as if it is like malaria, Typhoid

or any other disease "

We have identified that this program can be replicated in other areas and is

very cost effective too. Strenghtening the capacities of private medical

practioners need to be given it due importance.

Best wishes

Joy

E-mail:<pulickal@...>

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(This program was part of the project titled HIV/AIDS Counseling, Sexuality

Education and Training to the Unreached: A Community Based Initiative,

supported by fellowship under The D. and T. MacArthur

Foundation's Fund For Leadership Development)

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For Details:

Center For Development Initiatives (CDI)

Shop No.11, Venus Apts.,

Navghar Road, Bhayander East

Dist.Thane, Maharashtra - 401 105

Tel.: (022) 8170226/8176434

Email.annajoy@...

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