BHS Impact | Transforming Healthcare for Marginalised Communities

Impact

Impact 1

Reaching Vulnerable Populations with Quality, Affordable Healthcare

BHS has transformed healthcare access and outcomes for highly vulnerable populations: 92% of our patients are from tribal communities, 57% are female, and 56% represent migrant households.

Impact 2

Access to Comprehensive Healthcare

Our integrated model has yielded significant improvements in individual and societal well-being. Over the years, BHS has:

Managed 5,500+ TB cases
Provided treatment to 3,335 children with severe acute malnutrition
Facilitated 1,514 safe institutional deliveries

Impact 3

Shifting Health Behaviours

We’ve also driven significant shifts in health behaviors, evidenced by increased acceptance and utilization of contraceptives and a dramatic rise in institutional births in areas like Bedawal, from 5% to 60%. Over 160 referrals in the last year signify increased acceptance of formal healthcare pathways.

Impact 4

Improving Childhood Nutrition and Development

Our Phulwaris have demonstrably contributed to healthier and more active children. Among children enrolled in Phulwaris, the prevalence of wasting was less than half compared to children in the broader community. Teachers report enhanced engagement and cognitive development, while parents note improved hygiene habits influencing entire families, actively breaking the intergenerational cycle of undernutrition.

These centers are particularly crucial for mothers, often burdened with dual responsibilities at home and in fields due to male migration, by safely releasing them of childcare responsibilities.

Impact 5

Reducing the financial burden due to health expenditure

Beyond health, BHS’s model reduces financial hardship. Affordable outpatient care alone saves the community an estimated INR 2.83 crore annually, with inpatient referrals saving another INR 63.6 lakh — preventing countless families from falling into debt due to medical costs.

Impact 6

Influencing Systems and Policies

Our impact extends beyond direct care:

Oxygen access during Covid-19 – BHS was among the first to use oxygen concentrators during the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence from BHS’s experience led to ACT supporting state governments to procure more than 100,000 oxygen concentrators.

Right to Health Act in Rajasthan – BHS was invited by Government of Rajasthan to be part of a small group to frame the first ever Right to Health (RTH) Bill in India. With sustained efforts and advocacy with a network of civil society organizations, the Bill was passed by Rajasthan’s legislative assembly this year, making it the first state to have a RTH Act.