Saantwanam is a concept rooted in the philosophy of taking health screening to the people. Adequately trained and competent lady health personnel will reach out to every home in the villages and towns of Kerala and take the message of health to them. Individuals will be screened for the presence of dominant risk factors and diseases. Those who are already suffering from these conditions and are under treatment can be monitored regularly to assess the progress of treatment. The services can be provided at an affordable cost. Early detection and regular screening will enable people to save enormous cost that may have to be incurred in terms of hospitalization, chronic disability and even death.
This programme is jointly managed by Health Action People and Kudumbashree ( Government of Kerala ). The elegance of the Saantwanam concept is that the inexpensive home based screening programme will be carried out by educated girls belonging to economically backward households. Unemployment among educated girls is a major challenge in Kerala. Saantwanam provides one answer to this challenge. The members of the Saantwanam project involved in house hold screening and monitoring can earn a decent income through providing the services envisaged.
The following measurements / estimations are offered at the household level through the programme;
The equipment used for carrying out the services are:
The success of the programme depends on access to the services. It is possible only if the Saantwanam caregiver has mobility and reach. These can be assured through the provision of a scooter and a mobile telephone.
The Saantwanam caregiver will assist the person in proper positioning for height measurements, posture for reading BP and taking precautions for weight/ body fat determination. Sterilized, disposable needles and swabs (individually packed) will be used for finger prick blood collection. They will also be supplied with test strips for using Glucometer. The volunteer will give the results in a pre-printed stationery.