Launch and training of the mobile application surveillance tool – SOCH (Solutions for Community Health workers)
From July 9th to 14th, the mobile application surveillance tool – SOCH (Solutions for Community Health workers) developed by Sun Pharma IT and Swaas Systems was launched in Mandla. Entire staff of 270+ was trained during this exercise. This tool was developed to digitize all paper-based reporting systems including surveillance data, attendance, tour plans and stock management. The pilot of this app was conducted in two blocks – Mandla and Bicchiya in April 2018 followed by the pan-Mandla roll-out in July 2018. The trainers included Mrs. Nidhi Kaintura from Sun Pharma IT Mumbai, Mr. Raja C. and Mr. Sachin Saxena from Swaas Systems Chennai and Mr. Vinay Telasey from FDEC India. As part of the Operational plan, MEDP has started collecting blood slides and filter paper samples for every 10th febrile case. The training for blood slides for microscopic examination and filter paper samples for PCR was conducted by Dr. Praveen Bharti, Scientist D and Mr. Shashikant Tiwari, Technician from ICMR NIRTH. The trainings were conducted parallel to the mobile app training for the entire field staff from July 9th to 14th. The blood samples are transported from the ground to MEDP district office on a weekly basis. The blood slides are stained and fixed along with cluster-wise compilation of both slides and filter papers. Following this, the samples are transported to ICMR NIRTH for examination.