HEALTH ACTION BY PEOPLE

SAANTWANAM

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;

  • Height
  • Body weight
  • Body Mass Index
  • Body fat
  • Blood Pressure
  • Blood glucose
  • Cholesterol
  • Triglycerides
  • Urine Sugar/ Albumin

The equipment used for carrying out the services are:

  • Anthropometric scale
  • Body Composition Monitor [Omron Model: HBF-212]
  • Automated digital Blood Pressure apparatus [Omron HEM-7200]
  • Glucometer [ACCU-CHEK Performa, Roche Diagnostics]
  • Cholesterol Triglyceride meter [Accutrend Plus, Roche Diagnostics]
  • Non stretchable fibre glass measuring tape
Following are the approved rates of investigation:
 
Test
Rate
1
Blood Pressure
20
2
Blood glucose
35
3
Blood Cholesterol
80
4
BMI [Includes Height, Weight & Fat]
20

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.

Saantwanam Caregivers (Health Workers) across Kerala

  • Trivandrum
  • Kollam
  • Pathanamthitta
  • Alappuzha
  • Kottayam
  • Idukki
  • Ernakulam
  • Thrissur
  • Palakkad
  • Malappuram
  • Kozhikode
  • Wayanadu
  • Kannur
  • Kasargod
No.
Name
Panchayat
No.
Name
Panchayat
1
Ms Shyni Varghese
Adayan Pala House
17
Ms Smitha Sajeev
Koovapady
2
Ms Smitha Jose
Alangad
18
Ms Suja Raveendran
Kunnathunadu
3
Ms Usha Sudhan
Angamaly
19
Ms Soja Joseph
Malayattoor
4
Ms Binu Pius
Arakuzha
20
Ms Daisy Chackochan
Maneed
5
Ms Sobha Shaju
Arakuzha
21
Ms Jiji Martin
Manjapra
6
Ms Lisha Thambi
Chellanum
22
Ms Lissy Shaju
Okkal
7
Ms Rejani Dileepkumar
Chittattikara
23
Ms Jiny Jose
Pallippuram
8
Ms Seena G
Chottanikkara
24
Ms Sindhu Johnson
Pallippuram
9
Ms Geetha Madhavan
Karukutty
25
Ms Suja Bernad
Perum
10
Ms Laisy Benny
Karukutty
26
Ms Nishamol A
Perumbavoor Muncipality
11
Ms Bindhu Velayudhan
Keezhmadu
27
Ms Cini Eldo
Piravom
12
Ms Deepika Ramachandran
Kochi Corporation
28
Ms Jincy Eldhose
Rayamangalam
13
Ms Sheela Joseph
Kochi Corporation
29
Ms Rema Sabu
Udanpuram
14
Ms Sunitha Prakash
Kochi Corporation
30
Ms Sinija Chandran
Vazhakulam
15
Ms Vimala Mohanan
Kochi Corporation
31
Ms Sudha Subramanian
Vazhakulam
16
Ms Latha Subramanian
Koovapady
32
Ms Siji Joseph
Vengoor

HELP LINE NO : 9447145678 / 0471-2552774 / 0471-2552775