Operationalizing the Action and Advocacy Agenda for Quality of Care

Abstract

This chapter focuses on efforts to accelerate advocacy for and operationalize action on quality of care, presenting key initiatives implemented by the government and NGOs. Over the years, many recommendations have been made by researchers, activists, and observers to improve quality of care in the Indian family planning programme. These have included actions at the facility, programme, and policy levels. Many NGOs and development partners are also assisting government in implementing these measures. There is now widespread awareness and appreciation of the need to expand contraceptive choice and improve the quality of care. Quality of family planning services is a multidimensional concept, comprising various elements ranging from the provision of informed choice to adherence to standard management protocols. This chapter draws on ideas presented in various sections of this book that look at interventions, research, and commitment to addressing the unmet need for family planning in India. It dwells on the broader communication and advocacy requirements for sustaining commitment to quality of care by different stakeholders.