Case Study on WASH & Health: Improved Healthcare Service through Community Clinic

Case Study on WASH & Health:  Improved Healthcare Service through Community Clinic 

In the spirit of the familiar slogan “Sheikh Hasinar Obodan, Community Clinic Bachai Pran” (Sheikh Hasina’s contribution, community clinics save lives)”, community clinics have been delivering primary health care services in rural Bangladesh since 2000. Currently, these clinics distribute 27 medicines free of cost alongside providing family planning, immunization, nutrition, child care, pregnancy, and post-delivery care. Each clinic is designed to serve a population of approximately 6,000 people, though currently, it is serving more than the estimated population.

The 35 community clinics found in Gangni Upazila under Meherpur district function for more than three lakh people. These clinics commonly cover just two rooms and are built on minor designs of land. Over time, physical faults, lack of care, and insufficient water supply and sanitation had become critical obstacles to the facility's attention. The absence of safe drinking water, suitable toilets, and handwashing services posed challenges for service receivers, mainly for pregnant women, senior patients, and people with disabilities. This overwhelming situation is now moving, with the Union Parishad-led “LGI-Led WASH in Health” project renovating 29 out of these 35 clinics, official and financially supported by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) WaterAid and SKS Foundation.

Beneath this project, numerous developments have been completed in the 29 clinics, confirming safe water supply, manageable toilets with running water, handwashing stations for staff and patients, and ramps for persons with disability concerns. A reserve area has been made for patients who come from far behind. The Upazila Parishad has also provided a wheelchair for patients who might need extra support during their visits.

Besides, the project has contributed to the successful administration and developed the capacity of participants related to these clinics. Community Clinic staff has received training on health, nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). The Community Groups and Community Support Groups that sustain the management of community clinics have also been trained on their roles and responsibilities. The health department has enhanced its monitoring and supervision of the facilities, ensuring better upkeep.

The effect of these involvements is redirected to the improved acceptance of clinic facilities and the good pleasure of the community clients. The Community Health Care Provider (CHCP) of Garadoub Clinic said, “Last year, the number of clients was 6,028. Following the project’s interventions, this has risen to 6,677 people” However, he also noted that because the supply of medicines was inadequate to serve the increased number of service receivers, it was not likely to record all patients.

Kolpona Akhter, a dweller of Sanghat village, raised the modifications in the nearby clinic – “The situation of my clinic has developed so much, particularly water and sanitation, and the arrangements of the seats made. But the clinic goes out of medicine by the middle of the month. My request to the government is to please raise the supply of medicines, then poor people like me can live”.

The Chairman of Kathuli Union Parishad, Mizanur Rahman Rana, said, “The repairs to the community clinic and the improvements to their WASH infrastructure are a response to the demands of the people of Gangni, and will contribute to the achievement of SDG 6. I believe that if we had access to technical and financial support, we could create many more such inspiring examples.”

Overall, the project has demonstrated the potential of joint efforts by the government, civil society, and local communities in Gangni and beyond. Improved healthcare facilities in the community clinic would be replicated over the country through the support of Government and non-government organizations.