Basic Health Unit Management Project, Lodhran

In 2001 NRSP initiated a pilot project in Lodhran, in which three Basic Health Units (BHUs) were taken over by NRSP from the Department of Health. The idea was to develop a model of quality primary care delivery through first-level care facilities, including community-based health workers, with the involvement of communities in the decision-making process. Presently these BHUs are managed by NRSP. They are in villages Chak 12/MPR, Wahi Ghaus ul Mulk and Miran Pur. A Doctor has been appointed to manage 3 BHUs: he visits each BHU for two days every week and conducts field visits in the BHUs’ catchment area for health education of the local community. Patient turnout has increased considerably in these BHUs. 

Based on the success of the pilot project, the Government of Punjab has handed over the management of 108 BHUs to the Punjab Rural Support Programme in Rahim Yar Khan.

Jhelum Pilot Project 

A productive partnership between NRSP, elected Government officials, funding agencies (PPAF), Government Departments and community members was created in Union Council Bokan, Jhelum District. CO members and others formed Village Development Organisations (VDOs) to complete the work. NRSP did a Situation Analysis of seven villages, selected by the Union Council members on the basis of the severity of the existing problems; these were primarily the need for physical infrastructure relating to sanitation. Under the Pilot Project, NRSP implemented six schemes consisting of street pavement and the construction of drains and ponds. These have benefited nearly 700 households. In addition to the physical improvements brought about by the schemes, the community members have assumed ownership of the schemes that benefit their communities. The experience they have gained will enable them to plan and implement other schemes in the future. NRSP has succeeded in transforming the traditional perception that things like street pavement and drain construction are the sole responsibility of governments. After the successful completion of this Project, CO members actively participate in implementing schemes, contribute to the costs, and operate and manage the schemes after completion. Perhaps the greatest benefit is that now there is sense of community ownership. The project has been initiated in another 10 Union Councils in District Jhelum and is also being replicated in other Districts. NRSP has signed MoUs with the District Governments of Chakwal and Rahim Yar Khan (Punjab) and Khairpur (Sindh). 

Link to full text Jhelum Pilot Project

Khushhal Pakistan Programme 

The Punjab Government has recently approved the identification and implementation of physical infrastructure schemes with community participation under the Khushhal Pakistan Programme (KPP), which was launched by the Government of Pakistan in January 2000. Initially launched for two years, from January 2000 to December 2001 with Rs.20 billion, its main objective was to increase employment opportunities and to provide essential infrastructure in rural and low-income urban areas. This is to be achieved by building farm to market roads, rehabilitating water schemes, repairing existing schools, building or repairing small rural roads, constructing drains and storm channels, lining water courses, de-silting canals and providing civic amenities in the villages and towns.

NRSP completed 90 small physical infrastructure projects (46 in Chakwal and 44 in Khushab) under the Khushhal Pakistan Programme, benefiting some 38,463 households. The total cost of these 90 small projects was Rs. 24.26 million. Through the Khushhal Pakistan Programme NRSP succeeded in: adding facilities in 36 government schools, providing 27 additional rooms with verandas, constructing 15 latrines and 19 boundary walls constructing 7.6 km of 14 farm-to market roads brick paving 19.65km of streets with drain lines (where needed) in 39 villages providing a permanent and safe drinking facility to more than 359 households.