THE LAUREATES

Innovation in Healthcare 2023

SOCIETY FOR EDUCATION, ACTION & RESEARCH IN COMMUNITY HEALTH (SEARCH)

SEARCH: Pioneering Healthcare Innovation in Rural India

In the heartland of Maharashtra, amidst the rural expanse of Gadchiroli, a beacon of innovation and dedication has been silently transforming the landscape of healthcare for decades. This beacon is none other than the Society for Education, Action, and Research in Community Health (SEARCH), an organisation founded in 1986 by the visionary medical couple, Drs. Abhay and Rani Bang. The journey of SEARCH began with the educational pursuits of Drs. Abhay and Rani Bang, who graduated with distinction and completed their Master of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University in 1984. Driven by their deep-rooted commitment to service, inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, they returned to India, determined to make a tangible difference in the lives of the underserved. Gadchiroli, with its predominantly rural and tribal population, became the canvas upon which the Bangs painted their vision of transformative healthcare. Despite facing formidable socio-economic challenges and the scourge of radical activism, they forged ahead, undeterred in their mission.

At the core of SEARCH’s initiatives lies a deep understanding of the healthcare needs of the community it serves. Through targeted interventions, SEARCH addresses critical health issues affecting women, children, and tribal communities in Gadchiroli. Their commitment to holistic healthcare is exemplified by initiatives like the ‘Tarunyabhan’ program, which educates and sensitises youth on sexual and reproductive health, garnering acclaim and governmental recognition. One of SEARCH’s most significant contributions to the field of healthcare is its pioneering work in training Community Health Workers (CHWs). By equipping these grassroots healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills to diagnose and treat childhood pneumonia early, SEARCH has not only saved countless lives but also influenced global policy on acute respiratory infection control.

The impact of SEARCH’s initiatives extends far beyond the borders of Gadchiroli. The Home-Based Newborn and Child Care (HBNCC) initiative, aimed at reducing newborn mortality, has gained widespread adoption, influencing national policy and contributing to child survival programs globally. Similarly, through community action initiatives like Muktipath, SEARCH has effectively tackled the consumption of illegal alcohol and tobacco, fostering healthier lifestyles among rural populations. But perhaps what sets SEARCH apart is its unwavering commitment to nurturing socially conscious leaders. Programs like NIRMAN empower youth to become agents of change, fostering a culture of social responsibility and activism that transcends generations.

SEARCH’s impact has not gone unnoticed. Its programs, such as NIRMAN and Tarunyabhan, have extended their reach across Maharashtra, influencing youth development and adolescent health statewide. Moreover, SEARCH’s HBNCC training model has been integrated into the ASHA program under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), impacting healthcare delivery nationwide. Globally, SEARCH’s innovations in CHW training and child health management have been adopted by 77 countries, underscoring its status as a global leader in healthcare innovation.

As we reflect on the journey of SEARCH, we are reminded that true progress in the field of social development is not measured solely by statistics and accolades but by the lives touched and transformed. The story of SEARCH serves as an inspiration to all those who strive to create a more equitable and just world, one community at a time.