Integrated rural health and population project; report of the annual review

Evaluation covers the period 8/80-4/82 and is based on a review of project progress by GOI, Indian state, USAID/I, and consultant staff. Although the project began slowly, certain components have gained substantial momentum. Three of five states have begun construction of planned additional facilities, with targets greatly exceeded in Himachal Pradesh. Most material shortages and other problems have been solved. All states are training additional workers in all categories to operationalize the Model Plan delivery system, but recruitment of females, especially for supervisory positions, is a problem in some areas. Also, Himachal Pradesh faces a serious shortfall in training capacity to meet project targets. Data collection has been completed for the training needs assessment (TNA); however, technical assistance and special training of Indian personnel are needed to complete the TNA, to conduct the communications and management assessment, and to implement the project"s operations research component. Assessment of logistics management, including the current availability of reversible contraceptive methods and critical drugs and medical equipment, is just beginning. Staff vacancies at the state level and the near total absence of district-level project support staff are serious impediments. A series of detailed recommendations for the GOI, Indian states, and USAID/I are preseted and are summarized in the attached PES (PD-AAL-665).