Nov 7, 2024
Transforming healthcare perspectives: My journey with JCMB
Surabhi Sanjay, a Travel Fellow
I began my journey with Jan Chetna Manch Bokaro back in 2021 as a fresh medical graduate hoping to explore healthcare beyond the four walls of a hospital. My experience has ever since been nothing short of transformative. I was introduced to a healthcare model that focuses on empowering women and addressing the needs of the communities in rural Jharkhand.
The contrast between my experience in tertiary hospital labour rooms and here were eye-opening, forcing me to re-evaluate my understanding of hospitals, healthcare and the importance of contextualising medical practice. At the women’s health centre, childbirth is treated as a natural process rather than a medical emergency. Women here are encouraged to embrace the experience, the staff creating a nurturing environment surrounded by the comfort and support of familiar faces, making the experience a lot less overwhelming and more empowering. I understood how informed men and women were more likely to seek care, leading to healthier pregnancies and better outcomes, highlighting the crucial role of community health education in improving maternal health.
Working alongside the dedicated team of Nurses, Swastya Sakhis and Community Health Workers was not just a humbling experience but also demonstrated the immense impact the right training, guidance and support has had on all of them. Assisting and observing OPDs, field visits and outreach programs allowed me to engage deeply with the women and families in this area. My initial apprehension and discomfort with coming to a new place with unfamiliar cultural norms and language barrier did leave me feeling inadequate, questioning why I was there and whether I was truly making a difference. But with warmth and acceptance, I was provided a space to learn and understand through stories of resilience, shared experiences and lots of good food which has helped build the deep respect and connection I have with the community there.
I strongly encourage other doctors to visit JCMB, not just to provide care but to learn and grow as medical practitioners. This experience will not only provide an alternate understanding of childbirth and women’s health but will also deepen your sense of purpose and connection to the communities we serve.