Review of human resource management (HRM) in relation to reproductive and child health programme in India: issues and challenges

Abstract

The International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) programme of action recommended reproductive health approach to reorient the family planning and other health programmes in the world. The reproductive health approach which focuses on client needs rather than demographic targets is a major paradigm shift in thinking and hence requires substantial and careful relook at the human resources management practices which are key to implementing such a large change in any health programme. The paper discusses the importance of human resource management (HRM) in relation with implementation of Reproductive Health concept as outlined in the programme of action of ICPD. The paper review the current situation related to various aspects of HRM in India such as training, supervision, accountability, performance appraisal and rewards for programmes related to reproductive health. The paper assesses the need for changes in HRM practices to effectively operationalize the paradigm shift which is intended under the reproductive and child health programme in India. A review is also made of the activities planned under the RCH project to improve HRM practices in future. The problems identified in the RCH programme s activities are discussed and recommendations are made to improve HRM practices to operationalize the reproductive health programme in the true spirit of ICPD programme of action.