Reaching the Last Mile: Ensuring Antenatal Care Access for a Young Woman in a Remote Hamlet

Background

The beneficiary is a 22-year-old married woman from Dimbhe PHC under, Gohe Bk village residing in Bhawariwadi hamlet, one of the most remote and hard-to-reach hamlets in the Gohe Bk area. The hamlet has limited access to health facilities due to geographical distance, difficult terrain, and transportation challenges.

The ANC beneficiary was identified by the project's BFD (Barefoot Doctor) through home visits using the UPT (Urine Pregnancy Test). At the time of identification, she had very limited awareness of available health facilities and services. Due to geographical isolation, household responsibilities, and lack of exposure, her interaction with the formal health system was minimal, and preventive healthcare practices were largely absent from her routine life.

Through the Arogyakuti initiative implemented by KEMHRC, essential healthcare services reached the beneficiary at her doorstep, overcoming geographical and access-related barriers. This initiative played a crucial role in bridging the gap between the remote hamlet and the public health system.

Situation Before the Intervention

Before the intervention, the beneficiary rarely accessed health services and depended on others to seek care. She hesitated to visit health facilities independently and lacked confidence in discussing her health concerns. Awareness regarding menstrual health, nutrition, and general well-being was low. She was also unaware of government health schemes and the importance of timely health check-ups.

Intervention

Through regular monthly follow-up by the project team, the beneficiary was encouraged to attend health awareness meetings and counselling sessions. Health information was provided in a simple and locally relevant manner, focusing on practical aspects of daily life.

The intervention covered:

• Awareness about nearby health facilities and available services
• Importance of regular health check-ups
• Menstrual hygiene and reproductive health
• Nutrition and self-care practices

"Continuous motivation and handholding by the BFD and field staff under the Arogyakuti initiative helped build trust, confidence, and sustained engagement with health services."

Outcome and Change Observed

Gradually, a positive change was observed by the BFD and Field Supervisor. The beneficiary started accessing health services independently, either by visiting the Arogyakuti or through home visits by the BFD. She became more comfortable discussing her health concerns.

Key changes observed:

• Her understanding of maternal health, nutrition, and self-care improved leading to the adoption of healthier practices at home.
• She also started sharing the information she received with other women in Bhawariwadi hamlet, encouraging them to attend meetings and seek timely healthcare services.

Impact

The intervention enhanced the beneficiary's health awareness, confidence, and decision-making ability. Despite residing in a remote hamlet, she is now better connected to the health system.

With the active support of the BFD, the beneficiary was successfully linked to the PHC, and regular antenatal follow-up of her health condition was ensured.

Her transformation contributed to increased health awareness among other women in the community, demonstrating the effectiveness of last-mile outreach and community-based service delivery models.

Conclusion

This case study highlights the effectiveness of UPT-based identification, consistent follow-up by BFDs, and community-based health education in reaching women living in remote hamlets. Prior to the intervention, no regular healthcare services were accessible in Bhawariwadi hamlet.

Thanks to KEMHRC's Arogyakuti initiative, essential maternal healthcare services are now accessible even in hard-to-reach areas. The beneficiary expressed deep gratitude to KEMHRC, the Infosys MCH Project, and the BFDs for their regular efforts, dedication, and services.

The intervention empowered a young woman from a geographically isolated setting to become aware, confident, and proactive about her maternal health—strongly aligning with the objectives of the Infosys Foundation's Maternal and Child Health initiatives.

"The intervention empowered a young woman from a geographically isolated setting to become aware, confident, and proactive about her maternal health."