Quality and effectiveness of PHC level class room training under MPW scheme

Government of India have prescribed duration, curriculum and trainers for training of PHC field staff under multipurpose workers' scheme. The extent of implementation was studied in three States. Quality of training was also observed and its impact on knowledge and understanding was determined by comparing pre- and post-test scores on different subject areas. Centralised strategy for class room training with HFWTC as the venue was found to offer several advantages. By and large, Government of India's prescribed curriculum had been followed. Deviation had taken place mostly in the type of trainers. Topics and their sequence were well covered. There was, however, little use of training techniques to promote understanding and participation. In particular, there was lack of teaching aids at PHC level class room. Male field staff showed greatest need and profitted most from the training. Knowledge of maternal and child health and family welfare was least in both male and female staff before and after the training. Administrative factors affecting MO of PHCs as trainers were also determined. This is second in the series of papers based on the project findings.