RTSL India is partnering with Jhpiego to pilot a new model for community involvement in hypertension and diabetes care: using members of the Jan Arogya Samiti (JAS), a community-level participatory body, to improve continuum and quality of care (including coverage, treatment adherence, protocol medicine and diagnostic device availability) for hypertension and diabetes and strengthen community-led NCD management in Harda, Madhya Pradesh.
Across India, JAS play a vital role in connecting people to the health system. Linked to Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) (Health and Wellness Centres), these committees bring together community elected representatives, local leaders, and frontline health workers to identify local health needs and ensure accountability in public health delivery.
By working closely with both the health system and the community, JAS members help bridge critical gaps in awareness, access, and follow-up, especially for chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Under this initiative, JAS members have focused on hypertension management, helping patients start and continue treatment, attend regular follow-ups, and stay engaged in their own care.
RTSL India, through its partner under the close guidance of National Health Mission, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh, is supporting JAS members with practical tools such as patient feedback and grievance registers, educational materials like posters and leaflets, and audio-visual aids to help raise awareness in their communities. The team also provides technical support to develop training materials for JAS members, helping them guide patients, assist health care teams, and strengthen the quality and continuity of care. Learn more about RTSL’s work in India and how we’re accelerating action to control high blood pressure.