{"id":62696,"date":"2024-08-01T15:46:32","date_gmt":"2024-08-01T19:46:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.psi.org\/?p=62696"},"modified":"2024-08-05T17:39:29","modified_gmt":"2024-08-05T21:39:29","slug":"superwomen-of-indore-changing-lives-one-mobile-tap-at-a-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.psi.org\/fr\/2024\/08\/superwomen-of-indore-changing-lives-one-mobile-tap-at-a-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Superwomen of Indore – Changing Lives, One Mobile Tap at a Time"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Ankita Gambhir, Assistant Manager of Communications, and Suma Pathy, Chief of Party, Samagra, PSI<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hemlata\u2019s son has liver damage \u2013 and she wants private sector care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The catch: it\u2019s pricey and Hemlata needs guidance on where to get government-funded subsidies for private health services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many individuals in India are in Hemlata\u2019s shoes. In response, the government, in its efforts towards providing universal health coverage, is gradually weaving a social security net, including health insurance for the most vulnerable. India is also simultaneously digitizing its health and welfare systems to increase access to health services and financial support. As systems change, we are supporting people to work within them to access care for themselves and their loved ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through the USAID-funded project Samagra<\/a>, PSI and Haqdarshak<\/a> are building out digital health platforms to make it easier for people like Hemlata to access the tools and resources to get the care they need. In partnership with Haqdarshak, who offers a digital platform originally built to help rural populations navigate government support programs, we tailored the platform to fit the unique needs of marginalized urban populations \u2013 which are typically more diverse, have less permanent housing, and sometimes have less reliable social and family networks than their rural counterparts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Women entrepreneurs lead the way<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Living in Indore City, India, Hemlata met Seema, who is a \u201cHaqdarshika\u201d \u2013 a community-level entrepreneur for Haqdarshak. PSI and Haqdarshak identified and trained local women like Seema to act as digital facilitators for government services. The Haqdarshikas are deeply rooted in their communities; they\u2019re the superwomen connecting people to relevant government support systems and supporting them to not just access but navigate their journey to care. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Curious about what happened with Hemlata and her son?<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Here she is with a Haqdarshika – Seema!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seema worked with Hemlata and her son to access an Ayushman Bharat ID, needed to access government funding for private care, and choose a health insurance that they were eligible for. After navigating this process together, Hemlata\u2019s son received treatment for liver damage at a private hospital, free of cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Seema (on the left) and Hemlata (on the right)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Not only is her son healthier and happier, but with Seema\u2019s support, Hemlata is powered to more easily navigate the health system and make health choices for her family in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Impact and transformation<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Haqdarshikas like Seema work across Indore city, India aiming to bridge the digital divide and bring crucial government support programs directly to people\u2019s doorsteps, especially for women. Samagra\u2019s Haqdarshak initiative in Indore City supported over 226.8K individuals, unlocking access to 315K government-funded health grants. As designed, 70 percent of these individuals were women. By making information and services accessible, Samagra is igniting a sense of independence and agency in marginalized communities. As we have learned from the Haqdarshak initiative, for digital innovations supporting women\u2019s access to care, we need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n