Assessment of Adolescent Friendly Health Services in Rajasthan (ARSH)

Agency : UNFPA, Rajasthan

The Government of India (Gol) has identified and initiated Adolescents Reproductive and Sexual Health (ARSH) as a key strategy in the RCH-ll program under NRHM. Several studies have suggested that the use of services by adolescents was extremely limited. In order to influence their health seeking behaviour through the existing public health system and services, the Gol has initiated adolescent friendly health clinics (AFHC) within the existing health facilities that might provide a package of preventive, promotive, curative and counseling services.

In line with the Gol, the Government of Rajasthan (GoR) initiated adolescent health clinics to cater to the health needs of the adolescents. In the first phase during 2006-2008, the government decided to initiate adolescent health clinics (Teen Clinics) in 110 institutions with adolescent friendly services as per the decided service package in eight districts, namely Ajmer, Bhilwara, Udaipur, Rajsamand, Karauli, Sawai-Madhopur, Chittorgarh, and Alwar. These institutions include selected district hospitals, CHCs and PHCs of the State. In each district, the identified institutions have been provided with the required infrastructure, and the key staff have been oriented on adolescent friendly delivery package of ARSH services. These institutions have now been organizing/ conducting adolescent clinics once a week for two hours on Friday or on any selected week day.

UNFPA, Rajasthan State Office, commissioned an assessment study of AFHCs with a broad objective to assess current functional status of the clinic and adolescent friendly health servtees. The specific objectives of the study were:

  • To assess service environment when adolescents seek health services at the AFHCs.
  • To assess the status of the training of service providers in ARSH services.
  • To assess the availability of information to adolescents with regard to ARSH services.
  • To assess preparedness to improve and sustain provision of services.

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