Background
Situated in rural Karnataka, the Aradeshanahalli Primary Health Centre (PHC) serves a population of over 12,300 people. With 14 staff members and three sub-centres, the facility handles a high outpatient load and conducts around four deliveries per month.
Intervention by SELCO Foundation
To strengthen the PHC’s service delivery, SELCO Foundation introduced a range of decentralised renewable energy (DRE) and med-tech solutions. These included:DRE: Off-grid solar system to ensure uninterrupted powerBE: Ventilation and energy-efficient infrastructure upgradesMedTech: Point-of-care testing (PoCT) for TSH, UTI, TSH, HbA1c, AI-powered stethoscopes, solar-powered MCH kits, suction apparatus, baby warmer, and comprehensive labour monitoring equipment.
The integration of Comprehensive Labour Monitoring Solution along with expansion of Labour Room ensured a first step towards creating positive birthing experience in Non-FRU government facilitiesDr Gowthami, Medical Officer in-charge
Problem Statement
Lack of diagnostic infrastructure and inadequate monitoring tools placed significant pressure on frontline health workers.Limited access to pathology services led to 30% of tests being referred to higher facilities, while noisy environments and skill gaps hindered timely detection of complications. Despite being the first point of care for common conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory infections, the PHC struggled with early diagnosis and maternal health monitoring.
Impact Before Intevention:
30% of diagnostic samples referred to external labs
Health staff struggled with auscultation in noisy environments
Inadequate power supply affecting use of med-tech
Limited ability to detect complications early After Intervention:
Reliable power through off-grid solar
On-site diagnostics using PoCT and AI-steth
Labour room equipped with baby warmer, suction, MCH kits
Improved delivery experience and diagnostic capacity