Dr. Vimla Kumari, a FOGSI member, offers services at Rukanpura UPHC.
At Rukanpura Urban Primary Health Center (UPHC) in Patna (Bihar State, India) , the absence of medical officers and trained staff made it difficult to deliver family planning services effectively. Despite adequate infrastructure and supplies, the center was losing ground in offering a full range of methods. Only short-acting contraceptives were available, and women seeking long-term methods stopped visiting. Even pregnant women in need of antenatal care (ANC) began to stay away.
Recognizing the seriousness of the problem, The Challenge Initiative (TCI) raised the issue with National Urban Health Mission officials. Together, they developed a public-private partnership with the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI).
Dr. Vimla Kumari, a FOGSI member, recalls:
The TCI India team didn’t just present a problem; they had clarity on where support was needed most. They explained that women had already been counseled but were unable to access the methods of their choice. I immediately offered to support UPHC Rukanpura.
Moved by the urgency, Dr. Vimla volunteered her time despite a demanding professional schedule. She began visiting the facility twice a month on dates aligned with Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritwa Abhiyan (PMSMA) and Pariwar Niyojan Diwas (PND), which are designated days for antenatal care services. She shares:
On PMSMA and PND days, the UPHC offers both ANC and [outpatient] services. During my visits, I encouraged the staff to mobilize clients in need of long-acting reversible contraceptives and guide them to the UPHC on these designated days.
Her presence inspired the staff and helped rebuild community trust. The return of a doctor brought eligible couples back to the center. Adds Dr. Vimla:
While addressing ANC needs, I made sure every woman and couple was informed about the full basket of choice. Word soon spread in the community, and client turnout began to increase. I was able to restart IUCD services that had been suspended for months. This renewed energy among the staff motivated them to reengage with the community and strengthen their counselling efforts. This was a clear sign that the partnership between FOGSI and UPHC Rukanpura was making a difference.
This collaboration reflects TCI’s tactical approach: identify service delivery bottlenecks, activate local partnerships, and strengthen routine platforms. All of this ensures that family planning remains accessible, trusted, and effective.
