Summary

Key program components

Franchising network:

Existing qualified private sector providers at the district and block levels are being networked using fractional franchising principles and linked within a referral network to provide quality FP and safe abortion services. Ujjwal Network aims to set up a tiered network of clinics which will provide quality FP services at a standardised price.

Level 1 clinics (Ujjwal Clinics): based at district headquarters and have a trained gynaecologist providing a full range of FP services including temporary and permanent methods along with first and second trimester MTP.

Level 2 clinics: typically based at block headquarters and have MBBS doctors providing a full range of temporary FP methods, Minilap (female sterilisation) along with first trimester MTPs.

Level 3 network members (Ujjwal Saathis): community-based workers who spread awareness about FP and encourage potential users to use the network for availing services and products. 

Social marketing Ujjwal distribution network:

Socially marketed brands of contraceptives at subsidised prices are being made available through the distribution network. the project is creating a social marketing network of 18,000 outlets across Bihar and Orissa, which will lead to increased penetration of the contraceptives and reproductive health (RH) products in the rural areas. An average of two outlets is being established in each of 9,000 villages across the 38 selected districts in Bihar and all 30 districts of Orissa. These outlets include traditional and non-traditional outlets. The traditional outlets include pharmacists and medical stores, while the non-traditional outlets include RMPs and informal providers, panwadi shops, local general grocery shops, local kirana shops and community based outlets.