To create awareness among communities regarding health services and health rights, and to reduce the gap between patients and the public health system, the Government of Maharashtra decided to establish Jan Arogya Samitis (JAS) at every sub-centre level. The primary objective of this initiative was to form and operationalize JAS in selected Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) through social mobilization, ensuring that these committees become active and functional. However, although JAS committees have been established in many locations, they are not functioning actively and effectively as expected.

In this context, capacity-building efforts will be undertaken to strengthen the effectiveness of newly formed committees and improve the service delivery mechanisms of HWCs. These efforts will focus on enhancing the understanding of JAS operational processes, the roles and responsibilities of committee members, and key measures required to make the committees more effective and sustainable. In addition, a situation analysis will be conducted to assess the health services and facilities available at HWCs, the quality of services, and the accountability of these centres towards the community. Based on the health needs of the community, active participation of JAS members will be encouraged to identify service gaps and undertake corrective measures to improve health service delivery.

To enhance multi-stakeholder participation, Sarpanches, Panchayat Samiti and Zilla Parishad members, Community Health Officers (CHOs), health staff, community health volunteers, and local representatives will be actively engaged in the process. Regular health-centre-level dialogue meetings will be organized to increase community awareness about health services and health rights, while also strengthening communication and trust between the community and the health system. Furthermore, with the support of active JAS members and local networks, taluka- and district-level dialogues and conferences will be organized to identify challenges in health services, discuss key issues, and collectively work towards sustainable solutions.