Sensitization Program on TBPPM & PPSA
Introduction
The 2-day sensitization program on TBPPM (Tuberculosis Public Private Mix) and PPSA (Patient-Provider Support Agency) was successfully conducted on August 20-21 in Ranchi, Jharkhand. This workshop, aimed at empowering and building the capacity of TB survivors network involved in TB control, was organized by the TBPPM Learning Network India Chapter in collaboration with the REACH ALLIES project, with support from USAID. The event brought together participants from the TB Survivors Network from Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar and Tamil Nadu to enhance their understanding and engagement in the PPSA program under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP).
Day 1: Orientation and Insights into PPSA
The first day of the workshop was dedicated to providing a comprehensive overview of the Public-Private Mix (PPM) in TB control and introducing participants to the PPSA program. The day began with a welcome and icebreaker session led by Dr. Meena Putturaj from the Institute of Public Health (IPH).
Key sessions included:
- Overview of Public-Private Mix (PPM) in TB Control:
Dr. Sreenidhi Sreekumar from IPH explained the rationale and importance of engaging the private sector in TB elimination efforts. Participants were shown a video highlighting the value of PPM.
- Introduction to the PPSA Program: Dr. Sanjeev Jha, state PPM head quarter consultant from WHO, who heads in Tripura, Jharkhand and Sikkim states along with WHO TBPPM consultant for Jharkhand Dr Sudarshan provided an in-depth explanation of the PPSA program, including its definition, key elements, and steps to operationalization. He emphasized the importance of undertaking a needs assessment, designing models and budgets, and training PPSA NGOs.
3. Five steps in PPSA: Dr. Sreenidhi detailed the five essential steps in operationalizing the PPSA model.
- Team Structure and Roles: Dr. Meena along with Mr. Vijay and Mr. Rahul from TRY, local PPSA organization discussed the roles and responsibilities of the team structure within the PPSA model, ensuring that participants understood the various components that contribute to the successful implementation of PPSA through engaging role play activities.
- How TB survivors’ networks can get involved in/apply for PPSA program:
This session led by Dr Jha, co-created with participants, explored how TB networks can link with existing PPSA agencies, advocate for reservations for TB champions within PPSA contracts, and potentially apply as PPSA entities themselves. Discussions also covered leveraging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds and advocacy for policy changes to facilitate TB survivors’ participation.
Interactive activities, including quizzes and games facilitated by Dr. Meena and team, kept the participants engaged and reinforced the concepts being taught.
Day 2: Field Visit and Application Process
The second day focused on practical applications, including a field visit to the TRY PPSA agency, where participants observed on-ground operations and gained firsthand experience in the field. The field visit was facilitated by four staff members from TRY, a local PPSA agency, Dr. Meena and Dr Sreenidhi.
Highlights of Day 2:
On the second day the participants visited TRY India Regional office and their PPSA sites at Ranchi and interacted with health care providers, TRY PPSA staff to learn their roles, responsibilities and challenges they face in engaging with private health care providers for TB Elimination. Post visit we had a session on the PPSA application processes followed by a debriefing session where participants critically reflected on their learnings and the way forward for TB survivors’ network.
- Field Trip to TRY PPSA Hospitals: Participants were split into 2 groups; one group was led by Dr Meena and Mr. Rahul (from TRY) another group was led by Dr Sreenidhi and Mr. Vijay (from TRY). The team visited 1. ESI corporation model hospital, Namkum, Ranchi, 2. K C Roy Memorial hospital, Ranchi, 3. Dev kamal hospital, Ranchi and TRY regional office, Ranchi. Dev kamal was 200 bedded, which had a NIKSHAY MITRA, a person appointed by hospital who works closely with TRY PPSA agency. Here Dr explained about the importance of engaging with the informal providers for effective implementation of the PPSA model.
- Visit to TRY PPSA Regional Office: Participants visited the TRY PPSA regional office to observe field operations, which provided them with a practical understanding of how the PPSA model functions at the grassroots level.
- Debriefing and Experience Sharing: Upon returning from the field trip, participants engaged in a debriefing session led by TRY staff, supported by Dr. Meena. This session allowed them to share their experiences and reflect on the learnings from the field visit.
- PPSA Application Procedure: Dr. Sreenidhi Sreekumar provided guidance on the application procedure for PPSA through the Request for Proposal (RFP) process. This session equipped participants with the knowledge needed to apply for PPSA opportunities within the NTEP framework.
The program concluded with a closing session led by Dr. Meena, where participants reflected on their learnings and discussed next steps for their continued engagement in the PPSA program.
Conclusion
The 2-day sensitization program was a significant milestone in empowering the TB Survivors Network to actively participate in TB service delivery through the PPSA model. The workshop successfully combined theoretical knowledge with practical experience, equipping participants with the skills and confidence needed to contribute to the goal of a TB-free India.
Participants expressed their motivation to apply for PPSA opportunities, despite challenges, and showed enthusiasm for writing proposals and securing alternative funding through CSR initiatives. The workshop was praised for its interactive format, multilingual facilitation, and the inspiring environment it created.
Team Involved:
- TBPPM India Chapter: Dr. Meena, Dr. Mohana, Dr. Rashmi
- IPH: Dr Sreenidhi Sreekumar
- REACH ALLIES: Dr. Ramya, Dr. Subrat, Dr. Karabi, Mr. Vikas, Mr. Amit
- TRY: Dr. Chandan, Mr. Rahul, Mr. Vijay
The collaboration between the TBPPM Learning Network, REACH ALLIES project, and USAID was crucial to the success of this event, setting the stage for future engagements and expanded participation in TB elimination efforts.
For More images Click here