VHAI was invited by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to take over five almost non-functioning Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to revamp them both in terms of infrastructure and services under the Public Private Non-profit Partnership. A baseline survey conducted by VHAI reflected a lack of funds and dedicated staff, poor infrastructure, shortage of drugs and emergency services, and lack of monitoring or supervision by the health administration, among other reasons for the non-performance of these PHCs.

After a series of discussions, VHAI took over the management of the following five PHCs under Project Arunoday:

• Nacho PHC, Upper Subansiri District
• Deed Neelam PHC, Lower Subansiri District
• Thrizino PHC, West Kameng District
• Gensi PHC, West Siang District
• Lumla PHC. Tawang District

Arunoday strives to ensure quality healthcare by maintaining a balance between preventive, promotive and curative approaches. The project also closely monitors improvements in the health status of the community. The project area poses a number of challenges, however, Arunoday has been able to make a promising beginning with a lot of encouragement from the local community and the state government. During the year 2006-07, VHAI’s staff worked hard towards providing the following heath services to the community:

•A detailed survey in almost all the villages of the project operational area.

•Appointment of medical and paramedical staff in all 5 PHCs. Eleven sub centres are currently operational.
•Making OPDs, ambulance and emergency services available (round-the-clock, fully functional).
•Streamlining the drug supply and laboratory investigations with provision for X-Ray facility in one PHC.
•Improvements in routine immunisation for children and Ante-natal and Post-natal care for eligible women.
•Establishing health education and outreach programmes at the community level.
•Introduction of a disease surveillance system through regular house visits.
•Organizing a Village Health Day; supporting the implementation of various national health programmes like NRHM by implementing JSY; forming Rogi Kalyan Samitis.