Auxiliary Nurse Midwife Lad Kunwar Rathore serves clients in wards 44 and 45 of Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh.
In Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, healthcare providers are not just delivering services – they are building trust. Since 2023, The Challenge Initiative (TCI) has been implementing its Rapid Scale Initiative (RSI) in the region, partnering with governments to strengthen capacity, equip health workers with practical skills, dispel myths, and bring family planning services closer to communities. By creating reliable channels of information, they help eligible couples make informed choices.
Lad Kunwar Rathore is an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife serving wards 44 and 45 of Ratlam at the Urban Primary Health Center Dilip Nagar and Sanjivini Clinic. She shared:
Before a woman approaches me, she has already spoken to her peers in the locality. That’s why I counsel each and every woman, regardless of her age or stage of life. Even a single piece of misinformation can stop her from adopting family planning,
Lad Kunwar has become a familiar and respected face in her community. Recalling her journey, she says:
My work does not provide much monetary benefits, but it gives a lot of respect and peace. The respect I receive is not an overnight achievement but a reflection of years of hard work and commitment. I often tell women ‘tumhara confusion, mera samadhan’ (your confusion, my solution). They listen, they share their difficulties, and together we arrive at a conclusion regarding family planning. This work demands patience, but it gives me endless learning.
Studies show that after childbirth, women often face not only biological changes but also trauma, confusion, and fear. During this delicate phase, compassionate counseling becomes even more vital.
Lad Kunwar recalls one such case:
During a routine immunization round I met Jayshree, a 27-year-old mother of three and a non-user of contraception. When I asked her why, she said her peers had warned her that long-acting reversible contraceptives could cause severe spotting, infections, even cancer and possibly death. She was terrified. I knew I had to support her beyond just counseling.
The following week, Lad Kunwar organized a community meeting in Jayshree’s locality with Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs). Together, they gathered women to share accurate information. Using IEC materials, a basket of choice, and videos, they debunked myths and reassured families. The very next day, Jayshree returned, this time with her mother-in-law. After counseling, she decided her family was complete and chose a sterilization method.
Reflecting on her growth, Lad Kunwar says:
Despite years of service, I believe there is always more to learn. With the support of TCI India under the Rapid Scale Initiative, I have sharpened my skills, whether it’s indenting of family planning commodities through FPLMIS portal, accurate data management, or effective counseling. Their detailed training and hands-on support gave me confidence. It is this assurance that allows women like Jayshree to move from confusion to conclusion.
Working hand in hand with dedicated providers like Lad Kunwar, TCI continues to drive a healthier, more informed, and more equitable future for urban communities across five states in India.
