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Women-Owned Franchises: Diagnostics in Rural India
Presenter: Ms. Ann Rogan, Manager, Rural Health Services, Drishtee

Background: Throughout rural India, a scarcity of medical professionals has triggered a crisis – skyrocketing the opportunity costs to attain health care in urban areas. Without viable alternatives, the rural populace turns to unregistered practitioners – resulting in a low quality of care. Drishtee's Health Franchisee (DHF) initiative provides a localized outlet that increases direct access, improves quality of health information, and decreases the village's financial burden. Objective: The DHF model addresses the outpatient health gap in rural India through the provision of diagnostic screenings. By supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of women-owned franchises, this growing network addresses health needs at the village. Drishtee drives each unit to break-even within a year. Methodology: In a 2008 pilot, qualified women applied to become DHF entrepreneurs; successful candidates received low-cost medical and business training. Medical equipments are financed as a loan. At training completion, DHFs are capable of conducting basic diagnostics, first-aid, eye screenings, and retailing OTC medicines and hygiene products. Drishtee partners with local private hospitals to provide physicians and specialists for weekly and monthly village clinics. Prices are scaled according to community needs. Impact: Success is measured by patient's cost savings, as well as their satisfaction with care. It is also measured by the DHF's viability: enrolling enough business to meet monthly loan repayments and earn a modest profit. Drishtee strives to collect and analyze patient data to improve the services. The initiative is operational within Assam and Uttar Pradesh and aims to impact 250,000 in the first year.

Web Site: www.drishtee.com
Contact: ann.r@drishtee.com

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