Expanding health coverage in India: role of microfinance-based self-help groups

Abstract

To fulfil its commitment to universal health coverage, it will be necessary for the Indian government to expand access to appropriate and affordable health services. Through the mechanism of microfinance-based self-help groups (SHGs), poor women and their families are provided not only with access to finance to improve their livelihoods but also, in many cases, with a range of basic health services. Governments and non-governmental organisations in India have implemented large-scale programmes for the promotion of SHGs. With 93 million people organised nationally, the SHGs provide an established population base that can potentially be used to extend health coverage. However, the potential for working with SHGs to improve people’s access to health services has not been an active part of the national policy discourse.​

Effect of sharing health messages on antenatal care behavior among women involved in microfinance-based self-help groups in Bihar India

“…This is consistent with similar research on the effects of SHG interventions, demonstrating that combining a health program with microfinance-based SHG activities is associated with significant increases in maternal care services [12,22]. As evident from other studies conducted in Nepal and Maharashtra, leveraging microfinance-based SHGs to promote health outcomes is beneficial to the health and well-being of their members [23]. This study adds to existing evidence by drawing attention to the significant improvement in ANC practices due to a scaled-up intervention focused among the most marginalized populations.…”

“…Improvements in several ANC practices can be explained by an increase in SHG members reporting accompaniment by fellow group members to ANC visits. This reveals that SHGs are not only a platform to alleviate poverty, but are an efficient and effective model for building social capital through collectivization and cohesion, which play a vital role in the development of marginalized populations [12,23,24]. Health information supplied through SHGs provides an added benefit of mutual support among members for ANC service access.…”

Microfinance Institutions Fostering Sustainable Development by Region

“…(1) When considering the individualistic-collectivistic dimension, microfinance research establishes a positive relationship in those societies more collectivist [40,41] and with higher levels of trust [41,42]. These circumstances are directly related to financial facts like considering self-help groups when granting funding, and in turn derived from social issues such as possible access to health services [43,44] or the consequences of this kind of repayment model, especially in the case of women [45,46]. This statement is contrasted to some extent with the individualism required for the entrepreneurship that seeks to promote microfinance.…”

Health information needs assessment among self-help groups and willingness for involvement in health promotion in a rural setting in Puducherry: A mixed-method study

“…[1415161718] Similar models have already proved effective in many states of India covering various aspects. [19202122] Effective health education regarding nutrition, adolescent health, and enhancing positive behavioral change can also be delivered during their regular meetings.…”