BackgroundÂ
The training for Health Facility Operating Management Committee (HFOMC) and Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) was a key component of a four-year research project studying the impact of Nepal’s shift to a federal government on its health system. Collaborating with UK universities and the Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences, PHASE Nepal received funding from the UK Government’s HSRI and the Medical Research Foundation.
The project first started in three provinces: Bagmati (Sindhupalchok District: Chautara and Panchpokhari Thangpal Municipalities; Kathmandu District: Kathmandu Metropolitan City and Shankharapur Municipality); Lumbini (Nawalparasi West District: Ramgram and Susta Municipalities); and Karnali (Mugu District: Chhayanath Rara and Mugu Karmarong Municipalities). Now, it has expanded to Madhesh Province (Dhanusha District: Janakpur Municipality). Research revealed that local stakeholders, including HFOMC members and FCHVs, have inadequate knowledge and skills for the new federal health system. To address this, customized one-day training workshops were conducted in 2023, with 317 HFOMC members and 427 FCHVs trained by the project team and local officials. A grant from the Medical Research Foundation (2024-2025) allowed PHASE Nepal to enhance and expand HFOMC training, including in Madhesh Province, which was identified as having significant health system needs.
Partner: PHASE Nepal
Team: Dr. Janak Thapa-team leader, Ms. Pragya Pokharel M&E and Ms. Pabitra Magar-Field coordinator