We are delighted to present the new textbook on Mid-Level Health Providers, a comprehensive resource tailored to meet the evolving needs of students in nursing and paramedical programs. As mentioned in the preface, this book aims to equip mid-level practitioners with a deep understanding of various healthcare topics, enabling them to deliver quality care and support to their communities.

This textbook encompasses a wide range of essential topics, starting with the concept and introduction of Mid-Level Health Providers (MLHPs). We delve into the significance of MLHPs in the healthcare system and explore their roles and responsibilities in providing comprehensive care.

Recognizing the importance of national health programs, we delve into the New National Health Programmes, including the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK) and the transformative AYUSHMAN BHARAT initiative, which focuses on upgrading sub-centers into health and wellness centers. We also emphasize the concept of primary healthcare and its key elements, enabling students to grasp the essential principles of comprehensive primary healthcare (CPHC) and its delivery.

Service delivery and continuum of care are vital components of effective healthcare, and this textbook devotes significant attention to exploring the roles of Mid-Level Health Providers in these domains. Topics such as Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakaram (RBSK), social mobilization skills, drug dispensing management, immunization, and program management, including supervision and monitoring, are covered comprehensively.

In the ever-changing landscape of healthcare, it is crucial for mid-level practitioners to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to address emerging challenges. This textbook includes chapters on outbreak investigation, soft skills, home visits, integrated disease surveillance, and the Mother and Child Tracking System (MCTS), providing students with up-to-date information on these critical areas.

Furthermore, we delve into specialized topics such as organization of the labor room, safe childbirth management, postpartum care for women and children, family planning, and the National Family Welfare Program. We also explore important aspects of public health, including food-borne and waterborne diseases, environmental sanitation, health planning, and the healthcare delivery system in India as per the IPHS guidelines.

To ensure the delivery of effective healthcare, the textbook also covers the Health Management Information System (HMIS), electronic medical records, micro-birth planning, adolescent counseling, vital statistics sources, financial management at the sub-center level, and diagnosing and treatment skills.

Additionally, we recognize the growing importance of mental health, drug de-addiction programs, trends in disease occurrence, infant feeding and counseling, nutrition across the life cycle, the use of equipment in primary health centers and sub-centers, throat problems and febrile seizures in children, transportation of babies, accidents management in labor rooms, communication strategies, biomedical waste management, suturing techniques, postpartum intra-uterine contraceptive devices, school health services, health education, communicable and non-communicable diseases, contraceptive methods, and elderly care in rural areas.

We express our heartfelt appreciation to all the contributors who have generously shared their expertise and knowledge to make this textbook a comprehensive and reliable resource for Mid-Level Health Providers. We also extend our gratitude to the students, teachers, and professionals who have provided valuable feedback and suggestions during the development of this book.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, it is our hope that this textbook will serve as a valuable companion for students, enabling them to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver compassionate and effective care. We welcome any further suggestions, insights, and feedback to enhance the quality and relevance of this textbook, ensuring its continued usefulness to current and future Mid-Level Health Providers.

Thank you for embarking on this educational journey with us.

Editorial Team