Urban health system strengthening: PEN Package training to health workers

With an aim of ensuring that health workers stay up to date with latest advancements, guidelines, and best practices, Pokhara Metropolitan City and HERD International co-organized a one-day Refresher Training on Package of Essential Non-communicable Diseases (PEN) for the health workers of public health facilities on 11th May 2024 in Pokhara

The training was facilitated by PEN master trainer Dr. Rajendra Paudel and Ms. Kabita Paudel from Western Regional Hospital and Municipal Public Health Officer. Mr. Phuldev Timisina facilitated the training that brought together health workers such as medical officers, nurses, public health officers, health assistants and auxiliary health workers from various health facilities operated by Pokhara Metropolitan City.

The training focused on both theoretical and practical aspects of Non Communicable Disease (NCDs) management. The theoretical sessions included introduction to PEN, Diabetes and hypertension management at basic health service level, their treatment and management practices, along with risk factors and prevention. Likewise, practical sessions discussed accurate use of glucometer and strip to measure blood glucose, blood pressure measurement set, and anthropometric measurements: Height, Weight and Waist Circumference. Additional to the core diabetes and hypertension management aspect, the training also emphasized record keeping and reporting as specified in the government protocol.

The training also served as a platform for healthcare providers to share their challenges and experiences when managing patients of diabetes and hypertension. Healthcare providers highlighted that unless smooth logistic supply wasn’t ensured, PEN couldn’t be implemented properly at the health facility setting. The discussion also garnered queries regarding treatment modality and medicine usage which were clarified by the facilitators.

The stakeholders emphasized the importance of the ongoing support and professional development opportunities in future to assert the sustainability of the training’s impact in NCD service delivery.

The Health Division Chief stated, “Health worker need be updated in every step as the health risk and technologies were rapidly growing day by day. So, to update the health worker HERD international have played a crucial role to update them in PEN package.”

Medical Superintendent of Metropolitan city run Hospital expressed that this initiative would help provide better services to the NCD patients from the respective health facilities.

PEN package training is part of capacity strengthening initiative of urban health system strengthening study being implemented in the metropolitan city as part of Community-ed Responsive and Effective Health System (CHORUS) study.