The Power of Partnership: Making It Happen

To deliver what you promise—this is something I learned from PSI India. Their support gave wings to our efforts and renewed confidence to our health facility staff.”

The NUHM unit in East Singhbhum embodies the guidelines, protocols and the vision set by Government of India. However, to effectively implement both budgeted and non-budgeted activities, cities requires additional support. To bridge the gap, PSI India team identified key gaps and initiated advocacy with the NUHM officials.

“There were budgeted activity such as NUHM review meeting, City Health Coordination Committee meetings and family planning meetings at various urban health centres. However, due to the unavailability of NUHM team, these activities were infrequent. PSI India, through regular follow-up worked to ensure these critical meetings became consistent, as some had delays of 4 to 6 months. They engaged with several stakeholders, including District Program Manager, to address this issue. Thanks to PSI India's persistent efforts, these meetings have been held regularly since 2023.” -shares Manish Kumar

With NUHM officials focusing on management-related solutions, PSI India team provided coaching and technical support to address challenges faced by health facility staff.

“While we were in the driving seat of implementing interventions, the backup support provided by PSI India helped us quickly overcome challenges through systematic steps and effective strategies. Soon, the impact of this collaboration was evident,health services including family planning and counseling improved across several health facilities. If I must say, ‘to deliver what you promise’ is something I have learned from PSI India. We were making things happen at the urban level, it showed in data and in the newfound confidence of health facility staff. PSI India gave wings to my efforts to meet the needs of the masses,” -says Manish Kumar.

To further strengthen family planning services in the city, Manish organized a TCI India program review for progress-sharing using NUHM funds. This initiative helped revitalize family planning efforts in East Singhbhum.

PSI India supported East Singhbhum government in institutionalizing routine platforms such as NUHM review meetings and City Health Coordination Committee meetings for decision making and strengthening health services.