Service Gap Assessment of Village Health and Nutrition Day Services in a Rural Block of Eastern Odisha: A Mixed-method Study.

Introduction: Village Health and Nutrition Day (VHND) services is an initiative taken by the Government of India for improvement of maternal and child health care in the rural areas. This study aimed to assess the gap in services and also the current implementation status of the VHND services.

Methodolgy: A mixed-method study (cross-sectional and qualitative study) was conducted in a rural block of Odisha. A total of 46 VHND sessions were assessed during the study period. The study was conducted to assess the service gaps. Manpower, beneficiaries, basic amenities, basic equipment, medicines, and services were assessed. A structured checklist was prepared and validated. Stakeholder interview and exit interview of the beneficiaries were conducted to assess the constratints in providing services.

Results: VHND sessions were conducted at 91.3% of the sites. Basic amenities like weighing scales and blood pressure apparatuses were available at 100% of the sessions. However, hemoglobinometers, glucometers, stethoscopes, and stadiometers were not available at all sites. Essential drugs like iron and folic acid and calcium were also not available at 73.8% and 42.9% of the sites, respectively. Lack of participation of PRI members, interrupted drugs and logistic supply, and overlapping activities of health workers were the major challenges.

Conclusion: Supportive supervision, proper infrastructure, equipment, uninterrupted supply, and proper coordination can improve the uptake of VHND services. Proper planning and management are the key to provide optimum services in rural areas.