The Hans Foundation, established in 2009, stands as a beacon of hope and change in India's landscape of social development. The foundation has five core areas of intervention - Education, Health, Livelihoods, Disability and Disaster Relief wherein they are taking the lead in climate action. Through strategic planning, it targets poverty alleviation, economic inequalities, and comprehensive improvements in the quality of life for marginalized communities.
Their initiatives are executed in rural and underdeveloped regions across India, collaborating with state and central governments, corporates, institutions, and NGOs to ensure the scalability and sustainability of interventions. From grassroots to national level, the foundation's scope of influence spans diverse sectors, fostering a holistic transformation.
One of the recent milestones is the collaborative project with AIIMS, Delhi - "Holding Hand in Magical Years: Early Childhood Development & Neurorehabilitation Centre". Designed to cater to the critical needs of children in their formative years, the project focuses on the first 1000 days of a child's life.
In this interview with TheCSRUniverse, Ms. Shweta Rawat, Chairperson and Founder, The Hans Foundation, talks in detail about their initiatives and the difference they have made through the years. She discusses the key projects in each focus area and sheds light on their most recent joint initiative with AIIMS.
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Q. Hans Foundation recently announced their project "Holding Hand in Magical Years: Early Childhood Development & Neurorehabilitation Centre" in collaboration with AIIMS, Delhi. How was this project designed and what factors influenced its development?
A. The "Holding Hand in Magical Years: Early Childhood Development & Neurorehabilitation Centre" project, is a collaboration between the Hans Foundation and AIIMS, Delhi, and is designed with a focus on addressing the critical needs of children during their early developmental stages. The project was influenced by the understanding that the first 1000 days of a child's life are crucial for brain growth and overall development.
The design of our program was heavily influenced by the recognition of diverse needs of the children we aim to support. We understand that the interventions required for these children can be complex and may involve follow-ups with multiple departments and specialists. Many families travel long distances for a single appointment, and the process can become confusing when follow-ups are necessary. Thus, our program's core idea is to offer all services under one roof, streamlining access and ensuring seamless follow-ups. Centralizing resources will significantly improve the overall experience for these children and their families, leading to more effective and comprehensive care.
Additionally, we are aware of the significant number of families with disabilities who visit AIIMS seeking guidance, diagnosis, and support for their children. With the launch of this initiative, we are now able to provide all families and children with disabilities with comprehensive services under one roof within realistic timeframes. This initiative will effectively reduce response delays for children identified with disabilities, creating a fast-track mode of providing services through a team of experts and paraprofessionals. This approach not only improves efficiency but also saves families efforts, time, and money previously spent on multiple hospital visits.
Our ultimate goal through this program is to empower children with neurodevelopmental disorders. By providing them with the necessary support and interventions, we strive to enable their social inclusion in society, and a higher quality of life. The collaboration with AIIMS ensures a state-of-the-art facility equipped with modern technologies and advanced approaches to early childhood development and neurorehabilitation, which further enhances the program's effectiveness and potential for positive impact.
Q. What are the specific roles of Hans Foundation and AIIMS in the implementation of this project?
A. In the implementation of the "Holding Hand in Magical Years: Early Childhood Development & Neurorehabilitation Centre" project, The Hans Foundation (THF) and AIIMS, New Delhi, play distinct yet complementary roles, contributing to the project's success and its potential impact. For this collaboration, AIIMS was the natural choice of partner for our program due to its unmatched attributes. As a premier institution, it attracts patients from all over India, ensuring a diverse range of cases and medical complexities. With its exceptional expertise, extensive research capabilities, and years of experience, AIIMS offers the highest level of medical care. The convenience of having various departments, specialists, and referral options within the same campus enables seamless coordination and innovative approaches to healthcare. This collaboration empowers us to provide top-notch care and support to children with neurodevelopmental disorders, ensuring a positive impact on their lives.
The Hans Foundation takes the lead in creating a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to early childhood development and neurorehabilitation. We assume responsibility for the entire project, including funding, management, and infrastructure.
AIIMS, on the other hand, provides crucial technical expertise and monitoring support throughout the project's duration. Their extensive healthcare and research knowledge strengthens the implementation process, ensuring the facility adheres to high standards and best practices.
The facility will be situated within the AIIMS Delhi campus, fostering close cooperation between the two organizations. This proximity enables seamless collaboration, facilitating the exchange of ideas, resources, and access to AIIMS' healthcare and research capabilities.
To ensure comprehensive care for children, THF, in coordination with COE-CN-AIIMS-ND, will recruit experts from diverse fields. These specialists will deliver personalized and multidisciplinary care, catering to the specific needs of each child.
AIIMS' Management Information System (MIS) serves as a valuable tool for tracking and evaluating the project's progress. This data-driven approach enables continuous assessment, leading to data-backed improvements in the services provided.
Beyond the project's immediate implementation, the collaboration between THF and AIIMS holds a broader vision. We aim to replicate the successful model across India. This ambitious initiative seeks to extend the positive impact of early childhood development and neurorehabilitation to a wider population, potentially transforming lives on a larger scale.
Q. What are the other initiatives of the Foundation in the mental health domain? How do you work towards raising general awareness and reducing the stigma around disabilities in general and mental health issues in particular?
A. We are committed to uplifting underprivileged communities, where essential resources like mental health services are often lacking. Addressing mental health concerns in these marginalized areas is pivotal in achieving SDG 3 - "Good Health and Well-Being." Our focused programs have a twofold approach: raising awareness and destigmatizing mental health issues while providing vital support to empower these communities. Collaborating with partners like AIIMS, we make healthcare services – including mental health - accessible and inclusive for all, striving to create a healthier and more resilient society. Additionally, we recognize the challenges faced by people with disabilities, and at THF, we are determined to combat prejudice and discrimination, promoting their well-being, and providing opportunities for them to re-engage fully in society. Our goal is to create a more inclusive and compassionate world where everyone receives the respect, support, and care they deserve.
Our foundation has taken several initiatives in the mental health domain, aiming to create a positive impact and reduce stigma surrounding disabilities and mental health issues. One such initiative is the Hans Wellness Centers for Schools in Delhi NCR, providing physical and mental health services to children from less privileged backgrounds. The centers provide health services, including health screening through doctors and nurses, as well as mental health sessions and counselling through psychologists, enhancing their well-being.
Project Unnati in Delhi NCR- The program focuses on inclusive education for children with disabilities in schools for underprivileged sections of society, aiming to create equal opportunities for educational progress. Through this project, the foundation seeks to change attitudes towards persons with disabilities and promote their potential in all segments of society.
Mobile Therapy Bus and Vans -In Noida, the foundation has introduced a Mobile Therapy Bus program to provide rehabilitation services and create awareness among persons with disabilities. The mobile outreach service aims to reach every person with a disability, providing required interventions and support. The same model is soon being also taken to Ajmer, in the form of Mobile Therapy Vans, which will provide the needed services to people with disabilities in 100 villages. Offering these services right at the doorstep and in their home environment is key in helping overcome financial and commute challenges.
Mental Health Project in Meghalaya- We are starting to work for improved mental health conditions through Comprehensive Community Mental HealthProgramme in more than 600 villages of the West Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya. This program seeks to addresses the pressing concerns around mental health in rural areas and improve social integration and financial independence through enhancing livelihoodskills. Free mental health care services, counseling, and medical treatment are provided to the community, creating an environment conducive to mental well-being. The program also emphasizes awareness and normalization of mental illness in the community.
Through these initiatives, The Hans Foundation is actively working towards raising general awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding disabilities, particularly in the context of mental health. By providing essential services and fostering an inclusive environment, the foundation strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those it serves.
Q. As per the Foundation’s website, there are five core areas that you focus on- Healthcare, Disability, Education, Livelihood, and Disaster Relief. Could you briefly touch upon the key initiatives undertaken in each area in the recent past?
A. Our primary commitment is to making a positive impact in society, and being a part of the vision of an equitable society for all. In recent years, our focus has been on working towards achieving Good Health and Wellbeing for all. The COVID pandemic has played a significant role in shaping this focus, as we recognize that ensuring good health and well-being is the foundational element for building a healthier and more resilient society. It forms the bedrock upon which subsequent blocks for holistic improvement of the quality of life can be built.
But while access to quality healthcare and support for persons with disabilities are fundamental to improving the overall well-being of communities, Education and Livelihood projects are also crucial in providing comprehensive support and empowerment to the areas and communities where we operate. Depending on the specific needs of each community, we aim to enhance our holistic support through these projects, enabling individuals to lead fulfilling and dignified lives.
Moreover, we are actively taking a lead on Climate Action initiatives under our Disaster Relief thematic. We understand that climate action is intricately linked to Good Health and Wellbeing, as climate change can exacerbate health challenges and pose threats to vulnerable communities. By focusing on climate resilience and mitigation efforts, we aim to safeguard the well-being of communities, protecting them from the adverse impacts of environmental changes.
Following is the brief of our initiatives under our core priority of Good Health and Well-being:
- Mobile Medical Units: The Hans Foundation is committed to providing primary healthcare services in the marginalized areas of the country. Under this, the foundation is running fully equipped medical mobile units to reach the last mile with the best of services. The package of health services delivered by these includes consultation by qualified medical practitioners, the dispensation of medicines, pathological tests, and even counseling sessions by the personnel. The services have helped bring about critical changes in the health indicators in the served areas.
- Mobile Therapy Bus and Vans: The program is not only designed to address early years’ need for children with disability but also provide life span services to older adults and elderly with disabilities. The mobile unitsarewell-equipped with speech therapists, occupational therapists/physiotherapists, psychologists, special educators, and doctors for referral services. It is to provide early intervention, healthcare and rehabilitation, and multidisciplinary interventions.
- Health Wellness Centres for Schools: The initiative of the health wellness Centre for Schools is worth spelling out here, this program integrates mental health and physical health for children in the school. As an operational model, the foundation has set up clinics in the school which are led by a doctor supported by a psychologist and ANM. The project ensures better mental health for students leading to high-quality educational performance in the schools.
- Hans Renal Care Centers: The foundation is supporting patients with End Stage Renal disease requiring periodic dialysis/hemodialysis. The services are provided at very affordable rates and at times even free of cost for those who don’t have to pay capacity. The foundation has established renal care centers in various states and would further be expanding its operations in select states across India. These centers have trained professionals who deliver services with the help of high-quality machines and devices.
- Primary Health Centers and Health Sub-Centers: The foundation is also working with various state governments to operate selected Primary Health Centers in remote locations to provide medical services, including physiotherapy, x-ray, ultrasonography, etc as per the needs of the community. In the state of Meghalaya, the Hans Foundation is supporting the government in optimally operationalizing health sub-centers in 50 remote locations across the state.
- Cochlear Implants and Little Hearts Program: Cochlear implant is one of the key signature programs of the foundation. We support children who are born with hearing impairment i.e., deaf. Thesurgery and the device cost are born by the foundation to help children follow the path where they can hear like any normal child.The foundation also reaches children born with congenital heart defects with surgery support. Both these programs are run in collaboration with state-of-the-art hospitals across India, to provide the best quality care and ensure favourable outcomes for these children regardless of their families’ financial situations.
- Forest Fire Management: With increased Climate Change, Forest Fires are an increasing concern across the forest-rich states of India. We have been working with the Forest Department, Govt. of Uttarakhand to pilot a model for Forest Fire Management in 500 villages, which are now working to take to 1000 more villages in Uttarakhand and to other states as well. This program works with the community to provideend-to-end support for reduction in forest fires, through strategies for prevention, mitigation, response and recovery.
We also work in partnership with grassroots organizations / NGOs, to promote healthy behaviors focusing on maternal and child for better health outcomes for women and children. These projects are also focused in areas with low social economic indicators or are identified as aspirational districts as per the government of India.
Q. Can you give some insight into the process for resource allocation between these areas? Howdoes the foundation ensure optimal utilization of resources to achieve desired outcomes?
A. Our geographic focus is determined through a rigorous selection process that considers various factors, including Aspirational Districts, performance against Multiple Deprivation Index (MDPI), and other secondary data. This approach enables us to identify areas with the greatest need and prioritize our initiatives accordingly.
Additionally, our team collaborates with government bodies to ensure alignment with national development goals and collectively decide on the selected areas where our interventions can have the most significant impact. By leveraging data-driven indicators, we strategically target regions that require urgent attention and support. One such example is our mobile medical units, under the guidance of the state governments, these mobile vans are well equipped to cater to a larger number of community groups primarily those who cannot afford high-quality services due to weaker paying capacity. It will take the services to the doorsteps and ensure continuity of services through regular planned visits. As a result of this we are now providing services to more than5000 villages across the country, through 277 vans operational in 7 states.
The Hans Foundation keeps a very close monitoring eye on the utilization of funds and achievement of programmatic targets for different projects. There is a monthly tracking tool depicting the utilization of each project which is prepared by each team and monitored by the senior management. Necessary changes and decisions are made for optimal fund utilizationand at the same time assuring top quality of project implementation.
Q. Hans Foundation has collaborated with multiple state governments. How have these collaborations shaped the initiatives and outcomes of your projects?
A. At The Hans Foundation, our collaborations with multiple state governments have been shaped by the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Through this cooperative arrangement, we jointly deliver projects and services for the public's benefit, combining our expertise, resources, and capabilities to achieve common goals. By leveraging the strengths of both sectors, these partnerships have resulted in better project management, improved service quality, and increased access to essential facilities for the public.
We aim to enhance government reach and fulfill national and state priorities, avoiding parallel systems. For instance, in Meghalaya, we work with the State Government to support management of government health sub-centers, improving healthcare access in 50 of the remotest locations across three districts.
Indeed, collaboration with state governments has been instrumental for both the scale and the reach for our signature Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) program. Intervention areas in each state are selected in coordination with state and district authorities, working in underdeveloped districts to support NRHM and NHM objectives in bringing vital medical services directly to rural communities. These MMUs play a crucial role in enhancing the reach of the existing healthcare infrastructure, ensuring essential medical services reach right to the last mile.
In Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, our Hans Renal Care Centers (HRCC) provide free dialysis services in partnership with the District and Zonal Government hospitals, bridging the treatment gap for End-Stage Renal Disease patients.
The Hans Foundation’s partnership with the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID)has been crucial for innovative Mobile Therapy Buses and Vans for Persons with Disabilities. Support from NIEPID in the form of technical expertise as well as resources has been instrumental in both the design and implementation of the program.
Additionally, our recent collaboration with AIIMS for the project "Holding Hand in Magical Years: Early Childhood Development & Neurorehabilitation Centre" focuses on offering physical and mental health care to underprivileged children.
Convergence with the Government is essential to achieve true scale of impact. It has enabled us to serve the underserved population and maximize the reach of our programs. Moreover, they have helped amplify the impact of our initiatives, creating a more accessible and equitable healthcare system, transforming the lives of underprivileged communities, and building a healthier, inclusive society for all.
Q. How has your experience been of working with government departments? How do you ensure that the objectives of the Foundation are aligned with the goals set by the government?
A. The opportunity to work with the government is always appreciated by the foundation as it fetches maximum benefits to the project. To date experiences drawn through these collaborations have been excellent. We get into in-depth discussions and dialogue with the government to draw out the priorities and ensure that our programs are also aligned and complement each other, to work towards national developmental priorities.
Q. How does the Foundation measure the impact of its projects and initiatives? Can you give some examples of the evaluation methods or indicators for particular projects that were used to assess the effectiveness of the foundation's work?
A. At our organization, measuring the impact of our projects and initiatives is a crucial aspect of our work, ensuring that we achieve our goals effectively and make a positive difference in the lives of the communities we serve. We utilize a comprehensive evaluation framework that includes various methods and indicators to assess the effectiveness of our efforts.
One of the key aspects we focus on is ensuring the quality of care and a patient-centric approach in our healthcare projects. We track patient outcomes, satisfaction levels, and the overall improvement in the well-being of the beneficiaries. For instance, in our healthcare initiatives, we measure the success of reducing out-of-pocket expenditure for medical treatment, and improvement in Universal Health Coverage, making healthcare more affordable and accessible to the underprivileged.
Furthermore, to ensure transparency and accountability, we engage in third-party evaluations to objectively assess the progress and impact of our projects. Through a well-established MEL (monitoring, evaluation, and learning) unit at our head office, we utilize external agencies to assess program impacts, including interviews with direct beneficiaries and key stakeholders. Our monitoring, evaluation, and learning design aligns with the "theory of change" for each project, with well-defined measurable and verifiable indicators. This strong monitoring design enables us to assess project impacts effectively. We also leverage IT-based solutionsfor real-time data collection, further enhancing our impact assessment processes. With a commitment to continuous improvement, our rigorous evaluation practices ensure that we maximize positive outcomes and make a meaningful difference in the well-being and empowerment of the underprivileged communities we support.
Q. Hans Foundation was established in 2009- how has the work of the Foundation evolved over the years in terms of focus areas/initiatives, implementation & assessment mechanisms, and scale? Would you like to share any highlights or notable success stories from your journey?
A. Since its inception in 2009, THF has been dedicated to transforming lives by providing services and opportunities to the underprivileged and marginalized across India. We have collaborated with more than 400 grassroots NGO partners, working in 27 states, and have had the privilege to positively impact over 13 million individuals.
In 2015, our work enabled us to sign a historic MOU with the Government of Uttarakhand for “Uttarakhand Vision 2020”, a comprehensive 5-year State-Wide Development Program focusing on Health, Livelihoods, Education, Disability, Water & Sanitation, Electrification & Environment conservation.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges for the nation, and THF stepped up to help improve the healthcare response during 2020-2022. Collaborating with grassroots partners and state governments in 11 states, we provided relief packets, sanitation kits, and oxygen concentrators. Additionally, we worked tirelessly to set up Quarantine Centers and Oxygen Plants, striving to save lives and mitigate the impact of the pandemic on vulnerable communities.
In 2021, THF took a considered decision to leverage our existing expertise and expand our footprint and leadership in the Health and Well-being sector. We now engage in direct implementation at the grassroots level, aiming for complete and holistic solutions to address a wide variety of healthcare needs among underprivileged communities. Our solutions encompass primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare for both physical and mental well-being, with a special focus on mother and child healthcare, mental health, and the inclusion of persons with disabilities.
As we have grown over the last 14 years, our understanding of the complexities in this space has deepened, enabling us to identify new areas where THF can be impactful. To reflect this growth, we have incorporated Livelihood and Climate Action as new arenas of intervention. By embracing these areas, we strive to create sustainable solutions that empower communities, strengthen livelihood opportunities, and promote environmental conservation.
Throughout our journey, we have encountered various success stories that inspire us to continue our mission with even greater dedication. The impact of our work can be witnessed through transformed lives, improved healthcare access, and empowered communities.
Q. What does the Foundation’s overarching vision look like- how do you aspire to make a lasting impact and contribute to the well-being of communities in the future?
A. At The Hans Foundation, our overarching vision revolves around creating an equitable society for all, with a strong focus on promoting Good Health and well-being. We aspire to make a lasting impact on the well-being of communities by addressing their unique needs and challenges.We firmly believe in providing essential resources for a wholesome and healthy life, and we are determined to play a key role in India's developmental journey.
To achieve our vision, we are dedicated to expanding our reach and interventions in critical focus areas under the broader vision of Good Health and Wellbeing, such as Mental Health, Disability Rights, and Climate Action. Through innovative pilot projects, we aim to ensure effectiveness and facilitate swift scaling up and replication.By working hand in hand with local communities, we aim to empower and uplift underprivileged populations, ensuring that they have access to essential services and opportunities for growth.
Recognizing the importance of sustained efforts, we commit our resources to long-term endeavors to achieve this vision, striving for tangible improvements in the life outcomes of the communities we serve. We emphasize collaboration and partnerships with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to leverage resources and expertise effectively.
