To effectively achieve the above objectives DSK has continuously searched for innovative approaches a number of these are detailed below.
Blending Primary Health Care (PHC) with Credit
Existing government health services were completely out of reach to the poor as they could not afford the expensive bulk charges that were needed. With this in mind DSK decided to blend the primary health care program with income-generation activities. This approach started in January 1995 and has been followed by the credit project for urban slums. From January 1996, this was extended to rural areas in Netrakona. Under this approach, group-members (around 1500 to 2000) pay a branch deposit Tk. 2.00 per head every week for health care. This contribution covers things such as salaries of medical personnel, maintenance of the clinic and cost of medicines. Health care services are accessible when needed under this payment scheme.
Dushtha Shasthya Hospital (DSH)
Over the years as DSK was expanding, it was felt that a secondary health service would be complementary to the existing primary health program. Hence, the hospital was opened in 1999 to work alongside PHC activities.
The general concept of this project is to provide dependable hospital services on an affordable basis to the poor. This project is designed on a sustainable basis. Target people are those who are living in slums and low income areas. Special emphasis is given to women and children who are traditionally particularly disadvantaged in terms of accessing health care.
