Impact Assessment of Community Health Entrepreneur Model to Strengthen Primary Healthcare in Rural Punjab

Background

Access to preventive and promotive healthcare remains a persistent challenge in rural India, where geographic barriers, limited infrastructure, and low health literacy leave large sections of the population underserved. Women living in rural areas, despite occupying a central role in household health decisions, face deep socio-economic barriers that restrict their participation in economic life. Addressing these twin challenges requires innovative, community-rooted models that can deliver last-mile healthcare while simultaneously creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for women. 

About the Study

This study evaluates the Community Health Entrepreneur model, in which locally recruited women are trained and supported to deliver preventive, promotive, and basic diagnostic health services within their communities. The study examines impact at two levels: whether programme participation strengthens income generation, entrepreneurial capability, and psychosocial empowerment among women serving as Community Health Entrepreneurs; and whether the model improves health knowledge, preventive screening uptake, and care-seeking behaviour among rural households.  

Methodology

The study uses an independent mixed-methods evaluation design combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews and focus group discussions, conducted in collaboration with Bahaar Foundation, which leads programme implementation and field training.

Intended Outcome

By generating rigorous evidence on a women-led, last-mile health delivery model, this study aims to demonstrate how community micro-entrepreneurship can simultaneously strengthen preventive care access and advance women's economic empowerment in rural settings, informing policy decisions on replication and scale-up across India.