The voluntary community health movement in India: a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis
Sharma, M.; Bhatia, G.
Journal of Community Health 21(6): 453-464
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0094-5145 PMID: 8912121 DOI: 10.1007/bf01702605Document Number: 265970
This article traces the growth of voluntary, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the field of community health in India, analyzes the current status of this movement, and predicts future trends. Data were collected from a manual review of the literature in the library of the national headquarters of the Voluntary Health Association of India. The analysis relied on documents written from 1989-96 but included some earlier cross-referenced publications. After an introduction, the article describes the historical evolution of NGO community health programs in India from their roots in the independence movement through their growth in the 50s and 60s in response to the failure of the government to meet health needs. In the 70s, the need for new approaches to all aspects of community development was recognized, and the concept of primary health care was endorsed. Groups began to concentrate on: the provision of alternative appropriate technology; coordinating, networking, and coalition-building; and lobbying and advocacy. During the 80s, the government began to encourage the formation of NGOs that were fueled with foreign funds and run by professionals. A look at the strengths and weaknesses of the NGOs as well as the opportunities and threats they face leads to the conclusion that the NGOs should: 1) enhance linkages between community health and development, 2) build on collective force, 3) use participatory training, 4) integrate modern paradigms with traditional medicine, 5) promote efforts for disadvantaged groups, 6) integrate gender issues, 7) incorporate health behavior interventions, 8) work as partners with foreign donors, 9) work with the government on planning as well as implementation, 10) avoid duplication, 11) attract professionals without becoming commercialized, and 12) create international networks.
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