Lady Health Visitors (LHVs) play a vital role in providing basic healthcare services and health education to women and children in their communities, particularly in developing countries where access to healthcare can be challenging. LHVs are primarily women who are trained to provide a range of services, including maternal and child health care, family planning counseling, and health promotion
After the training, the Auxiliary Nurse Midwives working in the community will be able to perform the role and functions of health supervisors (female)
Specific Objectives:
Trainee will be able to strengthen knowledge in:
The minimum educational requirement for admission to the LHV program is:
Alternatively, candidates can also be eligible if they have:
The maximum age for admission to the LHV program is 35 years. There is no specific lower age limit mentioned, but the minimum age for admission to nursing programs in India is 17 years as on December 31st of the year in which admission is sought.
The LHV curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, including:
The Government of India has implemented several initiatives aimed at enhancing the role of Lady Health Visitors (LHVs) in the healthcare system, particularly in maternal and child health. These initiatives are part of broader public health programs designed to improve health outcomes in rural and underserved areas.
1. National Health Mission (NHM)
The NHM is a flagship program that supports various health initiatives across the country. It provides funding for the training and employment of LHVs, ensuring they can deliver essential health services, particularly in rural areas. The NHM framework emphasizes the importance of LHVs in achieving health targets, such as reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
2. Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)
JSY is a safe motherhood intervention under the NHM that aims to promote institutional delivery among pregnant women. LHVs play a crucial role in this program by educating women about the benefits of hospital delivery and assisting them in accessing healthcare facilities. They also provide follow-up care to ensure the health of mothers and newborns.
3. Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK)
This initiative provides free healthcare services to pregnant women and newborns. LHVs are instrumental in implementing JSSK by facilitating access to free treatment, transportation, and postnatal care. Their involvement helps ensure that vulnerable populations receive necessary health services without financial barriers.
4. Home-Based Newborn Care (HBNC)
The HBNC program focuses on providing essential newborn care at home, especially in rural areas. LHVs are trained to conduct home visits, monitor newborn health, and educate families on caring for infants. This initiative aims to reduce neonatal mortality rates by ensuring timely interventions and health education.
5. Training and Capacity Building Programs
The government regularly conducts training programs for LHVs to enhance their skills and knowledge. These programs cover various topics, including maternal and child health, family planning, and disease prevention. Continuous training ensures that LHVs are well-equipped to meet the evolving health needs of their communities.
6. Support for Infrastructure and Resources
The government allocates funds to support the infrastructure needed for LHVs to operate effectively. This includes maintaining health sub-centers, providing necessary medical supplies, and ensuring that LHVs have access to transportation for outreach activities. Such support is crucial for the successful implementation of health programs at the community level.
7. Community Engagement and Awareness Programs
Government initiatives often involve community engagement strategies that empower LHVs to educate families about health issues. By raising awareness on topics such as nutrition, hygiene, and preventive care, LHVs help foster healthier communities and encourage health-seeking behaviours among families.
Upon completing their training, LHVs have a variety of career opportunities across different sectors. Here are some of the key employment avenues available for LHVs in India:
1. Community Health Centers
LHVs often work in community health centers where they provide essential healthcare services. Their responsibilities include conducting health assessments, offering family planning advice, administering immunizations, and delivering health education sessions to local populations.
2. Maternity Hospitals
In maternity hospitals, LHVs work in maternity wards, providing care to expectant mothers and newborns. They assist with prenatal care, monitor maternal health, and support mothers during the postnatal period, ensuring safe deliveries and proper infant care.
3. Government Health Initiatives
Many LHVs are employed by government health departments as part of public health initiatives. They collaborate with various government programs aimed at improving maternal and child health, conducting health campaigns, and promoting preventive care in communities.
4. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
LHVs can find employment with NGOs focused on women’s and children’s health. These organizations often work on healthcare projects targeting underserved populations, involving initiatives related to reproductive health, hygiene education, and disease prevention.
5. Primary Health Care Centers
LHVs are commonly stationed at primary healthcare centers, where they provide a range of services, including antenatal and postnatal care, family planning counseling, immunizations, and health screenings. They play a vital role in ensuring that families have access to necessary health services.
6. Rural Health Posts
In rural and remote areas, LHVs frequently staff health posts, offering basic healthcare services, health education, and support for women and children. Their presence is essential in improving health outcomes in these underserved communities.
7. School Health Programs
LHVs can work in schools to provide health education, conduct health check-ups for students, and promote healthy behaviors among young people. This role is vital in fostering a culture of health and wellness from a young age.
8. Health Education and Promotion
LHVs are involved in health education and promotion efforts, conducting sessions on topics such as hygiene, nutrition, family planning, and disease prevention in community settings. Their work empowers individuals and families to make informed health choices.
9. Referral Services
LHVs often act as a bridge between the community and higher-level healthcare facilities. They are responsible for referring patients to hospitals or specialists when more advanced care is needed, ensuring timely access to necessary treatments.
10. Research and Data Collection
Some LHVs may engage in research projects or data collection efforts to evaluate health programs and assess community health needs. This involvement contributes to the overall improvement of healthcare services and policies.
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Today: Mar 19, 2025