Samagra Arogya

A notable project within Aruvu’s scope is Samagra Arogya. It is a community-based research project aimed at improving health by focusing on the Social Determinants of Health that affect well-being. It helps local village councils (Gram Panchayats) become centres where people can come together to find and implement health solutions that work for them. Piloted in the Vandse cluster of Kundapura, Udupi district, this initiative covers seven Gram Panchayats: Vandse, Idur-Kunjadi, Hemmadi, Hakladi, Chittur, Aluru, and Keradi. With its collaborative approach, Samagra Arogya integrates community knowledge, public health expertise, and panchayat leadership to create a decentralized and sustainable healthcare model.

The project is anchored by key collaborators: the Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT), Aruvu Collaboratory LLP, the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) Department of Karnataka, and academic partners such as Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE).

KHPT provides technical expertise in health systems strengthening and participatory research, while Aruvu Collaboratory facilitates the planning, design, and synthesis of community-centric interventions. The RDPR ensures policy alignment and operational support, making the Gram Panchayats central to the initiative’s governance and implementation.

At its essence, Samagra Arogya aspires to provide holistic healthcare through an emphasis on palliative and geriatric care for marginalized groups, including elderly populations, individuals with disabilities, and those suffering from terminal illnesses. Recognizing that health is shaped by diverse social, economic, political, and environmental factors, the initiative adopts a comprehensive perspective. Its objectives include providing decentralized medical care, addressing emotional and mental well-being, promoting nutritional health, and integrating livelihood opportunities into the health framework.