Abstract

PIP: Family Planning International Assistance (FPIA) is currently supporting a project designed to involve Ayurvedic practitioners (APs) in providing family planning services in Sri Lanka. APs have been providing health care in Sri Lanka for over 500 years; there are about 16,000 APs; they live mostly in rural areas and are highly respected. It is reported that about 40% of the population consults APs for health care. APs can prescribe modern and traditional remedies; traditional ones are sometimes well-kept family secrets. The current project is managed by Community Development Services (CDS) a private organization set up in 1978 to promote family well-being, and to help supplement the government's program. CDS has provided family planning training for more than 1500 APs; they are expected to sell, in 1982, 400,000 cycles of oral contraceptives, 4.5 million condoms, and 17,500 cans of foam. FPIA has shipped CDS more than $100,000 worth of family planning commodities. CDS is involved in other development activities, such as making available free eye tests for children, and using western-trained acupuncture anesthesiologists for its sterilization program.