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By CHO-Saathi
- April 22, 2025
- In Conversation with CHO Saathi!
Exclusive Interview with Dr. Mahendra Bundela – A Dedicated CHO from Madhya Pradesh.
At CHO Saathi, we bring inspiring stories from the ground, where Community Health Officers are working tirelessly to serve rural communities across India. Today, we had the privilege to speak with Dr. Mahendra Bundela, a committed CHO from Madhya Pradesh. Here’s what he shared about his journey, challenges, and aspirations.
Who is Community Health Officer (CHO)?
A Community Health Officer (CHO) or Mid-Level Health Provider (MLHP) in India plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between rural communities and the healthcare system. They are trained healthcare professionals, often posted at Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) or Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) under the Ayushman Bharat Program Government of India, to deliver primary healthcare services.
Discover her journey, challenges, and message for fellow CHOs.
Q. What is your full name, and could you please introduce yourself to our readers?
I am Dr. Mahendra Bundela, currently working as a Community Health Officer (CHO) since 2020. I’m posted in District Mandla, Block Bijadandi at SHC Tikariya.
Q: When did you complete your graduation? Was it in your preferred field?
I completed my graduation in 2010. Yes, it was in my preferred field—AYUSH.
Q: What career path did you initially want to pursue after graduation?
I always aspired to become a successful practitioner.
Q: How did you enter the CHO job? Could you share your story?
As an AYUSH graduate, government job opportunities were quite limited. I was running my own practice when I came across the CHO job advertisement. I got excited at the prospect of serving people at the grassroots level, especially in remote rural areas where basic healthcare facilities are lacking and MBBS doctors often hesitate to serve. Since childhood, I’ve dreamed of helping underserved communities struggling with illiteracy, poverty, unemployment, and stigma. Becoming a CHO gave me the opportunity to bridge the healthcare gap, promote health awareness, and implement national programs in these regions.
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Q: In which state are you currently working as a CHO? Is it your home state as well?
I am working in Madhya Pradesh, and yes, I am also a native of the same state.
Q: Was the CHO job your first career preference? If not, what did you initially plan to pursue?
No, CHO wasn’t my first preference. At that time, it was a relatively new post in the healthcare system. If I hadn’t taken this path, I would have continued practicing and pursued higher qualifications like an MD or PhD in my field.
Q: What was the biggest challenge you faced after joining the CHO job, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge was communicating with villagers in their local dialect and addressing deeply rooted social stigmas surrounding diseases like chickenpox, tuberculosis, mental health disorders, etc. People often avoided medicines, believing illnesses were caused by evil forces and resorting to traditional worship instead. It took continuous counseling, education, and trust-building to help them understand and accept modern medical treatment.
Q: What is the most difficult part of your daily routine as a CHO? If given the chance, what changes would you bring?
The most difficult part is managing the immense workload. We are responsible for operating 11–12 digital portals and also maintaining offline records. From pharmacy stock management to laboratory tests and patient care, everything falls under the CHO’s role. Simultaneously handling OPD, ANC/PNC cases, NCDs, and wellness activities is overwhelming. If given the opportunity, I would advocate for task-sharing and reducing redundant paperwork.
Q: Do you believe CHOs are overburdened with work?
Absolutely. The workload on CHOs is extremely high.
Q: Do you receive support from other cadres in your organization?
Unfortunately, no. In fact, I feel some other cadres are not very supportive. There seems to be a misconception that CHOs are reducing their value, which is not true.
Q: What changes would you like to see in your working environment? Have you observed any improvements since your posting?
A major issue is that whenever a new national or state health program is launched, the entire responsibility is pushed onto CHOs without support from other cadres. We handle everything—from digital entries to field implementation—and even minor reporting mistakes lead to threats and warnings. Despite all this, I’ve worked hard to reduce stigmas, promote health education, and improve access to wellness services. People in rural areas are now more aware and appreciative of the healthcare services they receive at their doorstep.
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Learn free NQAS Interview Questions and Answers as per NQAS Checklist!
Q: Do you think the CHO incentive amount should be merged into the regular salary?
Yes, 100%. Merging incentives with the salary would help eliminate corruption at the block level. Currently, there’s a lot of bargaining and deductions based on arbitrary parameters, which puts CHOs under undue pressure.
Q: Should CHOs be recognized as a permanent cadre? If yes, why?
Yes, CHOs should be a permanent cadre. We are the backbone of primary healthcare in rural India. With increasing workload and the stress of job insecurity, permanent status would allow us to perform more effectively and reduce corruption in the system.
Q: Are you satisfied with your current job?
Not entirely. The temporary nature of the position, heavy workload, and lack of support make it difficult to feel fully satisfied.
Q: What message would you like to share with other CHOs?
Keep working hard. A new dawn is coming. Stay united and fight for your rights and a better future.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share from your journey?
Yes, the CHO cadre is a visionary initiative by the Central Government aimed at strengthening rural healthcare. However, its implementation at the state level has been lacking. I sincerely request the State Government to take this issue seriously and provide CHOs with all necessary support, including regularization of services as per the five-year provision mentioned in central guidelines.
CHO Saathi thanks Dr. Mahendra Bundela for his heartfelt insights and dedication to rural healthcare. His story reflects the reality and resilience of CHOs across the country. We salute his service and echo his call for unity and recognition of CHOs as essential healthcare providers.
Also Read:
Dr. Mahendra Bundela Profiles
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