SHIS took up the challenge in training destitute women, widows, single mother, etc. as a Community Health Worker with kind support from the West Bengal Women Development Undertaking.

Initially the course was released for 11 blocks (Sandeshkhali – II, Haroa and Minakhan of North 24 Parganas & Bhangar – I and II, Canning – I and II, Kakdwip, Patharpratima and Namkhana of South 24 Parganas alongwith Chapra of Nadia) for 20 destitute and marginalized women and girls in each block for 6 months training.

Trainees were given Rs. 100/- per month as stipend for 6 months and daily meal worth Rs. 10/- on each training days. Training included theoretical, clinical and practical and visit and health survey in respective villages. Training conducted by SHIS Doctors as per widely covered syllabus covering various diseases including Reproductive & Child Health (RCH) and Sanitary & Hygiene and preventive methods and nutrition and IEC / awareness.

This trained community health workers, will provided basic health consultation and services to poor communities. Small group discussions on reproductive health issues of the training of community health workers is the central part of the curriculum.

In viva test, the trained community health workers said they felt their training had given them added status and prestige among their neighbors. They were looked upon as authorities and experts in their own areas. In addition, community health works have given the trained CHW a sense of self-esteem. Said one worker, a divorced woman with a fifth grade education, "Now I am not afraid to talk with people."