TITLE:
What Does Research Say for Improving the Efficiency of Lady Healthcare Workers in Pakistan? Review Article
AUTHORS:
Khalid Mahmood, Faheem Jan
KEYWORDS:
Lady health Workers, Community Health Workers, Reproductive Health Services, Primary Healthcare Services, Family Planning, Pakistan
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Epidemiology,
Vol.14 No.4,
November
8,
2024
ABSTRACT: Background: In Pakistan, the crucial role of Lady Health Workers (LHWs) cannot be over looked and must be supported. Their alliance position between the community and health system allows them to provide services to the most marginalised groups. However, LHWs face numerous challenges and issues resulting in reduced efficiency and effectiveness of LHW program. Aims: The study aims to identify the challenges highlighted in various studies that undermine the performance of LHWs and attempts to combine the recommendations of the studies for addressing these challenges. Methods: Literature search included articles from 2000 to 2024. PubMed and Google Scholar were the main search engines utilized. Initial search resulted in 1380 articles, out of which only those showing a link to the study title were included in the study. From the total articles searched, 55 were selected for writing this article. Results: Literature highlighted the importance of community selection, monitoring, monetary as well as non-financial incentives; trainings; availability of supervision, workload balance, monitoring; recognition, clarity on roles, resources and uninterrupted supply of logistics, support and embedment of LHWs in community and health system. Lack or poor quality of these aspects may lead to low performance of LHWs. Conclusions: This paper explores the extent of issues and challenges faced by LHWs in Pakistan. A number of interventions appear to be effective in improving the efficiency of LHWs in Pakistan. The review may serve as an essential resource for program planners and decision-makers in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of LHW programs.