A rapid appraisal of functioning of Rogi Kalyan Samitis in Uttarakhand

To study the structure and functioning of Rogi Kalyan Samitis (RKS) in community health centers of Uttarakhand state and observe the availability and utilization of funds by RKS.

A cross-sectional study was conducted during September - December 2008 in two districts of the state. Eight community health centers (CHC), four from each district were selected by simple random sampling. In-depth interview of all member secretaries and members of RKS, 20% of in-patients and exit interview of 10% OPD patients of selected CHCs was done with interview schedules. In each CHC, two focus group discussions were conducted (one for males and one for females).

RKS was established in all selected CHCs, according to the guidelines issued under the NRHM. The main functions performed by the RKS included infrastructural strengthening of the CHCs, improvement in basic facilities, ensuring provision of emergency medical care, free medicines, basic laboratory and radiological investigation, transport facilities and hospital waste management. The flow of the central grant was found to be smooth. The expenditure however is below the mark in absence of predefined protocols. Only 53.30% of total funds available were utilized during the study period. Approximately three-fourth of the funds was utilized in civil work (32.70%), furniture and electrical works (28.28%) and in fuel (12.98%). More than 80% of all patients informed about availability of medicines, drinking water facilities, clean toilets and rooms in CHCs. However, most of the community members were not aware regarding the existence, objectives and the activities of RKS.