The factors affecting the functioning of Rogi Kalyan Samiti (RKS) in District Hospital in central Madhya Pradesh : Observational study

Gaurav Tripathi; Shikha Singh

Volume : VI, Issue : VI, June - 2016

The factors affecting the functioning of Rogi Kalyan Samiti (RKS) in District Hospital in central Madhya Pradesh : Observational study

Gaurav Tripathi, Shikha Singh

Abstract :

 In order to develop a sustainable system for improved health care in the Government sector ROGI KALYAN SAMITIS (Patient Welfare Societies) were established.5 RogiKalyanSamitis(RKS) are registered societies constituted in the Government health delivery system as an innovative mechanism to involve the people’s representatives in the management of the hospital with a view to improve its functioning by levying user charges and initiating local action . However studies that are available on RKS are very few and further evidence is needed to understand the stumbling blocks faced by RKSs in achieving their stated goals.This Exploratory study was done over a period of three months, from Aug 2015 to October 2015 in SGD Hospital at Jabalpur, M.P. It is a 300 bedded well facilitated hospital. Stusy subjects were all Members of RKS ,Service providers at respective District Hospital include Staff Nurse, Accountant and Class IV Staff and Beneficiaries i.e. OPD and IPD patients. The responses of the interviewees were entered into a preformatted proforma. Quantitative data was analyzed and frequencies and percentages were calculated using Microsoft Excel 2007. Qualitative data were analyzed by thematic based analysis. The possible biases that could have affected the responses were also taken into consideration. The analysis was based on the basis of objectives. It was found that main inhibitors to the effective functioning of RKS are – poor awareness of beneficiary’s regarding facilities as well as the member’s, regarding the objectivesand functions of RKS. Some other lacunae are lack of co–operation among members, irregular meetings, overburdened members, and the lack of motivationof health officials. Decisions were delayed or not implemented. There is urgent need of trainings of all the members of RKS and Service providers at hospital.