On 12th April 2005, the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) was launched in India with a goal towards reforming and strengthening the basic health care delivery system of the country. Out of the many innovations under the program, a new cadre of district and block program managers were introduced into the health system of the country.
Post graduates in Business Administration, chartered accountants and information technology (IT) experts were recruited into these posts. These district and block programme managers (DPM & BPM) were expected to provide technical expertise in day to day activities, manage the finances and monitor the functioning of government health facilities thereby helping in improved programme management. Today there are about 584 District programme managers and 3095 Block programme managers in India.
Problems encountered by district and block program managers of Tumkur them in their everyday activities
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Being from a non medical background, they constantly, are unable to understand the technical aspects of health and health programs. In spite of having good management skills, the lack of technical knowledge hinders them in tracing the problems and finding solutions to them
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In the absence of prescribed checklist from the state, during their regular visits to health facilities, the program managers are unaware of elements that need to be observed and checked by them. The lack of in-depth knowledge on national programs has prevented them from execution of program oriented activities in the field.
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They are currently equipped with basic computer skills only and are thus unable to effectively illustrate the HMIS data to medical officers in health facilities. They need refresher training on advanced computer skills.
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They are demotivated and have a negative attitude towards the government health care system of the country . They fall short of conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
Capacity building of this team, to create competent and compassionate managers is very vital. IPH plans to design a training program to strengthen the capacities of these district and block program managers.
