October 2023-April 2024
Women cane cutters often do not have access to health facilities during the cane-cutting season and face economic burdens if they must take leave due to illness. As a result, many continue to work while sick without receiving proper care. To address this issue, a pilot program called Arogya Sakhi was launched by MAKAAM Maharashtra, selecting twenty women cane cutters from Beed and Hingoli as community health workers.
These women received training to provide primary care for common illnesses such as fever, body pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Each Arogya Sakhi treated an average of 100 patients over four months (October 2023-April 2024), collectively saving their coworkers an estimated Rs. 20-30 thousand.
