Health committees to promote health seeking behavior

The document details an initiative by SNEHA under the National Urban Health Mission to establish health committees aimed at promoting health-seeking behavior in urban communities, especially in informal settlements. These committees, primarily composed of women, are designed to address community health needs with a focus on maternal and newborn health. By empowering these women’s groups, the program aims to improve access to timely healthcare services and foster better practices in hygiene, sanitation, and overall health.

Health committees are formed after consulting local health posts and identifying communities with poor health indicators. Members are chosen based on their willingness to serve voluntarily. Initial meetings introduce the purpose of the committees, and regular training sessions enhance members' capacity to address community health concerns. The committees play a vital role in bridging the gap between the community and healthcare providers, offering services such as referrals for prenatal care, immunization, and family planning while actively participating in awareness and cleanliness drives.

Despite challenges like balancing responsibilities, irregular participation, and space constraints for meetings, the program has succeeded in building a network of proactive members. These members have gained respect within their communities and have become trusted figures for health-related guidance and support. Their work has fostered a stronger sense of community collaboration and improved health outcomes in targeted areas.