Participative style of management in a family planning program

In 1973, a small-scale project to involve family planning staff in program management was introduced in the Sangam primary health center in Andhra Pradesh by the Adminstrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad. Through group meetings, involving all levels of health center personnel, problem areas were identified and analysed and solutions sought. On the basis of recommendations made by the groups, a work plan was drawn up. Monthly review meetings were held to discuss progress in implementing the plan. The project was found to have a positive effect on staff morale and commitment, and program acceptance levels increased. In light of the success of the project at Sangam, a proposal has been submitted to the government to expand the project to other primary health centers in the district.