Parvathipuram-Manyam district in Andhra Pradesh, once synonymous with low literacy rates and social backwardness, has now earned national recognition for its remarkable strides in public health. This turnaround was spearheaded by IAS officer Nishant Kumar (2013-batch) during his tenure as District Collector from 2021 to 2024. His visionary leadership and innovative approach, encapsulated in the ‘Prism 10’ programme, earned him the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration (2023) in the ‘Innovation-District’ category.
Challenges in Parvathipuram-Manyam:
The district faced a daunting combination of issues, including:
- A literacy rate barely above 50%.
- Difficult terrain and wildlife conflicts.
- Limited access to quality healthcare and infrastructure.
- Alarmingly high maternal and infant mortality rates.
In 2021, the district’s Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) stood at 24 per 1,000 live births, and the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) was 129 per 1 lakh live births. Immunisation coverage was a mere 48%.
The Prism 10 Programme:
Launched in 2022, ‘Prism 10’ was designed as a targeted public health initiative to address maternal and child health issues, with a focus on the tribal population.
- Adoption Officers: Adoption officers were appointed from village and ward secretariats, self-help groups, anganwadi workers, and health department staff. Their primary role was to focus on high-risk pregnancies and infants.
- Technology Integration: Modern analytics identified healthcare gaps, while digital health platforms facilitated immediate service delivery.
- Expansion of Medical Services:
- Mobile Health Clinics: 29 clinics were deployed to provide healthcare in remote areas.
- Family Doctor Programme: 282 community health officers strengthened medical infrastructure in tribal and interior regions.
- Anaemia Action Groups: These groups targeted maternal and child anaemia, a prevalent issue in the region.
- Monitoring and Accountability: Monthly progress was monitored by secretariats to ensure effective implementation.
By 2024, the ‘Prism 10’ initiative had transformed the district’s healthcare landscape:
- IMR reduced from 24 to 8 per 1,000 live births.
- MMR dropped from 129 to 67 per 1 lakh live births.
- Immunisation coverage surged from 48% to 97%.
The success of ‘Prism 10’ not only brought accolades for Nishant Kumar but also positioned Parvathipuram-Manyam as a model for other districts grappling with similar challenges. The programme underscores the power of targeted interventions, community involvement, and technological integration in driving meaningful change.
Officer Kumar’s efforts exemplify how visionary leadership and innovative governance can transform even the most challenging regions into benchmarks of progress.
