Planning and implementing a program of renovations of emergency obstetric care facilities: experiences in Rajasthan, India
Dwivedi, H.; Mavalankar, D.; Abreu, E.; Srinivasan, V.
International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics the Official Organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics 78(3): 283-91; discussion 291
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0020-7292 PMID: 12384278 DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7292(02)00191-1Document Number: 243751
Even though many governments and donors are now putting resources into upgrading facilities, the study of the renovation process is one of the most neglected aspects of quality improvement in emergency obstetric care (EmOC). In a previous publication, we discussed basic concepts and simple techniques to assess, plan and implement renovations. Here we focus on actual in-the-field experiences of the renovation process initiated by the health system in Rajasthan, India and the valuable lessons obtained from it. With the advice of the technical members of the Averting Maternal Death and Disability Program (AMDD) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the facilities achieved noticeable changes in the physical infrastructure. As a result, the quality of EmOC services improved. We analyze these experiences critically and draw out lessons which may be instructive for future renovation efforts.