The Concept of a Multi Purpose Health Worker is fairly new and calls for a lot of attention too. The idea was conceived in India in the year 1974 for the delivery of services pertaining to impediment of diseases and epidemics such as Malaria, Leprosy, Tuberculosis, Water borne diseases etc. It involves dissemination and promotion of health education in various rural and sub rural areas. In a developing nation like India, optimum health of the citizens cannot be achieved without the involvement of willing, trained and health conscious people.
To have a healthy and a happy population, there is a need of such individuals and a lot of universities have come up with diploma level courses in this field to encourage more and more individuals to get enrolled.
Responsibilities
A health worker has a broad spectrum of responsibilities to shoulder, spanning adoption of preventive measures, organization of health seminars, vaccination campaigns and so on. The basic responsibilities are:
To completely understand the concept of holistic health and wellness and understand the impact of socioeconomic factors on the same.
To provide prompt treatment for minor illness and skilled first hand treatment in case of accidents and injuries.
To impart the importance of sanitation, safe drinking water, hygiene etc.
Management of fire explosions, flood crisis, famines and related issues.
To participate in national health and family welfare programs.
To look after the status of health care facility and mid day meals in the local schools.
The responsibilities and profile of a health worker is multi faceted. Apart from the ones sited above, there could be countless tasks depending on the area and its healthcare wants.
Lately, a lot of government and private institutes have started a diploma level course in MPHW, Multi Purpose Healthcare Worker. The curriculum takes care of the following aspects:
Communication skills
Foundation course
Classes on nursing and first aid
Practical and theory tutorials on anatomy, physiology and health education
Lectures on hygiene, psychology and sociology
Supply management and logistics know how
Record keeping
Training in physical examination of a patient and specimen collection
Training on administration of medication, injection giving technique etc
On the job training
The basic requirement for getting enrolled in this course is at least a 10th pass certificate from a recognized school. The career prospects are innumerable as the person is trained in diverse platforms.
One of the academies imparting this course is Wellwishers academy which has stemmed from the Marvel Group nurturing brands like Mother’s Pride Pre Schools, Presidium Senior Secondary Schools, Adiva Hospital etc.
The academy offers a 1.5 year diploma course spread over three semesters. Under the supervision of experienced physicians and paramedical staff, a candidate has a huge potential to learn and hence explore a great career avenue.