Review of ongoing ORT programme in India

The National Control of Dairrhoeal Diseases Programme for children under 5 years, begun in 1986, (ORT Programme) seeks to prevent deaths due to dehydration by training medical and para-medical personnel, educating mothers on the prevention and home management of diarrhoea, supplying ORS packets, and periodic monitoring and evaluation of the programme. In 1989, the Government of India conducted a review of the ongoing ORT programme in six randomly selected states in different regions of India to ascertain the extent of implementation of the ORT programme, to assess the level of knowledge about ORT among mothers and health providers, and to suggest measures to improve ORT training. This document is the result of the study carried out in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Orissa, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu using a six stage random sampling method and eleven types of schedules administered to different types of respondents. The document includes chapters on the knowledge of ORT with reference to mothers, health workers, medical officers, private practitioners, and pharmacists. For each, data is presented on knowledge of such topics as the supply, use and preparation of ORS; signs to assess diarrhoeal patients and dehydrated children; correct advice about feeding during and after diarrhoea; home management of diarrhoea; and prevention of diarhoea. Observations and recommendations are made on the data collected. Regarding prevention, mothers are advised on such hygiene and sanitation measures as ensuring the safety of drinking water by boiling, handwashing after defecation, covering food, keeping kitchens clean, and maintaining general cleanliness. The paper also includes an assessment of supplies and facilities at higher level health facilities and at sub-centres including supplies of ORT packets and health education materials on diarrhoea. The paper advises that more attention should be paid to the distribution of health education materials so that people can be made more aware of the magnitude of the problem of diarrhoea and its possible cure. The paper concludes with a summary of the results of surveys of health providers and health facilities covering such topics as training, correct preparation of ORS, case management of diarrhoea, and availability of written guidelines on diarrhoea management. The study is supported by tables, figures and annexes containing schedules administered to respondents.