As part of the project “Strengthening Primary Health Care through Participatory Action Research in Tribal Districts of Northern Telangana,” funded by the Vijayavahini Charitable Foundation, Affordable Quality Health (AQH) conducted facility assessments of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) in Bhadradri Kothagudem district in March 2025.
Based on the findings of these assessments, strengthening referral pathway mechanisms was identified as a key priority, along with the need for targeted capacity building among frontline and referral-level health staff. Accordingly, referral pathways were developed for six priority components, aligned with existing national and state programme guidelines.
To support effective implementation, a one-day Referral Pathway Orientation Programme was organised for Medical Officers (PHCs), Mid-Level Health Providers (HWCs), and IDO staff, including Consultants, Medical Officers, and Staff Nurses from the Mobile Medical Units (MMUs). The programme was conducted on 26 November 2025 for public health staff and 27 November 2025 for IDO staff at the Integrated District Offices Complex, Bhadradri Kothagudem.
Participants included Medical Officers from PHCs, Community Health Officers from HWCs, and Medical Officers, Consultants, and Staff Nurses from the Indigenous Development Organisation (IDO). The orientation focused on identifying emergency and non-emergency cases, strengthening timely clinical decision-making, and ensuring appropriate documentation to enable continuity of care and effective coordination with higher-level health facilities.
The programme received positive feedback from participants. National Health Mission (NHM) Programme Officers and Professors from the Government Medical College (GMC), Bhadradri Kothagudem, supported the sessions by orienting participants on programme-specific referral mechanisms.
AQH acknowledges the support and leadership of Dr. Tukaram Rathod, District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO), Bhadradri Kothagudem; Dr. Arundhathy Mamidi (AQH); NHM Programme Officers; Professors from GMC Kothagudem; and the district administrative team, whose contributions were instrumental in the successful delivery of these practical training sessions.
AQH Team Members:
Dr. Shrikant Kalaskar | Dr. Shweta Singh | Dr. Chilshu Chandran | Sushma Dsouza | Dr. Soujanya Rapeti | Bhavani Silamkoti