Lurd Mary, a dedicated government health worker, has spent 36 years ensuring quality healthcare for her community. With strong support from FRHS India, she continues to provide essential services, particularly in family planning and reproductive health, ensuring women receive the care and counselling they need.
Words and Images by: Neha Srivastava
In the heart of Rajasthan’s Kishangarh city lies Primary Health Centre (PHC) Kuchil, a modest government health facility that serves as a beacon of care for its surrounding community. At the centre of this hub of hope is Lurd Mary, a committed government health worker and Lady Health Visitor (LHV) whose dedication to her role has touched countless lives over the past 36 years.
Mary discovered her passion for healthcare at an early age, which blossomed into a career in public health when she was selected as an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) under the government health system in 1988. In 2006, her unwavering commitment and skills earned her a promotion to LHV, and she has since been serving at PHC Kuchil.
Her responsibilities are vast and critical, from managing client records, to overseeing immunization logistics and coordinating family planning services. She often steps beyond the health facility, attending community meetings and supporting community health workers in mobilizing families to prioritize their health. Her favourite part of the job, however, is counselling women—answering their questions, calming their fears, and guiding them toward informed health choices.
“Talking to women and helping them understand their options, whether it’s about family planning, immunization, or general health, is deeply fulfilling,” Mary shares.
For over the last eight years, PHC Kuchil has received unwavering support from FRHS India, a key partner in the public health service delivery, through its outreach service delivery channels. This collaboration has significantly enhanced Mary’s ability to serve her community, expanding access to quality reproductive health services. FRHS India’s commitment to reaching marginalized communities in hard-to-reach areas is evident in their philosophy of “Leave No One Behind,” ensuring last-mile service delivery to those who need it most.
“The FRHS India team is a lifeline for us,” Mary says. “Their services are timely, reliable, and well-organized. The community trusts them, and so do we. They’ve built a reputation for delivering high-quality care and providing excellent counselling to women.”
The collaboration between PHC Kuchil and FRHS India is a model of synergy. FRHS India’s teams bring fully staffed (including surgeons) and equipped mobile units called Clinical Outreach Teams (COTs) to the facility on scheduled days, offering a full spectrum of family planning services. Not only do they provide immediate care, but they also ensure follow-up, checking on clients’ well-being and addressing any remaining questions. This support ensures that women receive comprehensive, continuous care that goes beyond the clinic doors, reducing the burden on Mary and the facility.
Beyond family planning, Mary plays a crucial role in ensuring women in need of safe abortion services are directed to appropriate care. When women seek abortion services (provided only at FRHS India clinics, as per government regulations) or require care on days when FRHS India’s teams are not present at the facility, Mary confidently refers them to FRHS India clinics. She knows that these clinics will provide the same quality care and counselling that her patients have come to trust. “I trust their services wholeheartedly,” Mary says, highlighting the seamless integration between PHC Kuchil and FRHS India’s network.
“A well-planned family ensures better financial stability, education, and living standards for the children.”
-Lurd Mary,
LHV, PHC Kuchil
Reflecting on her decades of service, Mary feels immense pride in the impact she has made. “By sharing knowledge and helping families make informed decisions, I’m not just improving individual lives—I’m contributing to the health and happiness of an entire community,” she says.
Mary’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and the power of partnerships. It’s also a testament to the vital role FRHS India plays in strengthening the public health system and empowering providers like her to create lasting change. Together, they are shaping a healthier, more informed future for the people of Kishangarh.
