Proposed ‘Healthy Lifestyle Center’ model utilizing integrated primary care for non-communicable diseases’ prevention and management in rural Nepal

Abstract

Good Health Nepal (GHN) was founded in 2013 and currently operates (in cooperation with governmental health care services) both permanent and outreach clinics in the Thaha municipality of the Makawanpur District in central Nepal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepal). GHN received governmental approval in 2016 to become the first integrated Healthy Lifestyle Centers (HLCs) in Nepal. As the first of its kind, the scope of practice and operational authority are not well defined. The purpose of this paper is to document GHNs current operational model for evaluation and implementation at the PHC level in rural Nepal. The proposed integrative model is cost-effective, easily replicable, and highlights the need for comprehensive and sustainable care, non-communicable diseases’ prevention and education with effective treatment, case management, community-centered care, referral networks, and telemedicine. This model supports the future establishment and operation of all HLCs in Nepal.