Maternal healthcare and health equity in rural Karnataka are deeply intersected with caste, class, and gender vulnerability. JMS works to eliminate discrimination in government primary healthcare facilities and ensure dignified treatment for Dalit mothers and infants.
Through community-led health monitoring, we campaign for adequate medical staffing, 24/7 obstetric care, free medicine availability, and nutritional support for nursing mothers.
Key Issues
- Institutional Delivery & Obstetric Care: Advocating for safe, hygienic, and free institutional childbirth services without unofficial fees or discrimination against marginalized mothers.
- Essential Medicine & Diagnostic Equity: Ensuring free availability of essential medicines, iron-folic supplements, and prenatal ultrasound diagnostics at village health centers.
- Dignified Treatment by Health Staff: Conducting sensitization workshops and accountability dialogs with PHC medical officers, ASHA workers, and auxiliary nurses.
JMS UPDATE
HEALTH EQUITY INITIATIVE: PHC Accountability & Social Audits
Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Day (VHND) was held on 8 September 2026 at the Anganwadi Centres in Bagalawada village (Sirwara taluk) and Thoranadinni village (Maski taluk).
Campaign Phases
Village Health Monitoring 2005–2010
Community volunteers track pregnant and lactating women, ensuring timely prenatal check-ups and registration.
PHC Dialogs & Audits 2011–2016
Holding quarterly accountability interfaces between village health committees and medical officers.
Policy & System Advocacy 2017–Present
Presenting district health report cards to authorities to address doctor vacancies and ambulance deficits.