A Peruvian master’s student shares her experience doing a training placement within a research project in rural India, learning how cultural context and community engagement are essential for improving primary healthcare.
The NIHR GHR Short Placement Award (SPARC) helps NIHR Academy Members enhance their research skills and career prospects through short placements. Nathaly Bailon, a Peruvian primary health care (PHC) master’s student, gained valuable experience in rural health research at The George Institute (TGI) for Global Health in Hyderabad, India, expanding her skills in qualitative data analysis and global health research collaboration.
Nataly Bailon Gonzales’ testimony:
As a biologist with a growing passion for public health, I’ve focused on improving healthcare in rural and underserved communities. My master’s in Primary Health Care deepened this commitment, leading me to a transformative research placement with TGI India, where I gained unexpected insights and broadened my understanding of healthcare.
I collaborated closely with the COHESION-I team in India. I participated in three workshops where health workers, community leaders, and residents collaborated to identify healthcare barriers and find solutions. What stood out for me was the community’s enthusiasm and active participation, which is crucial for the success of any health intervention. A memorable moment was when I joined in a patriotic cheer, «Bharat Mata Ki Jai!» («Long live Mother India!»), symbolizing cultural integration and community spirit.
In Ambikapur, I visited healthcare facilities and observed the challenges faced by health workers, particularly at the District Hospital where limited resources impacted care quality. I also saw the difficult living conditions in rural preschools and elderly shelters. These experiences highlighted the stark contrast between rural and urban healthcare, deepening my understanding of how resource shortages and systemic barriers affect health outcomes in rural communities.
A transformative part of my experience was learning about the role of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in India. These community health workers who are employed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare bridge the gap between healthcare and rural populations, leading initiatives like vaccinations and prenatal care. This inspired me to reflect on similar health promoters in Peru, who face comparable challenges but lack the same support. The ASHA model became an inspiring example of how community-driven healthcare can drive sustainable public health improvements.
This placement was not only a professional growth opportunity but also a personal one. I had the chance to immerse myself in Indian culture, celebrating the Diwali festival with the TGI India team and exploring India’s historical landmarks. From a career perspective, it strengthened my research capabilities, providing me with practical tools and a deeper understanding of how to integrate cultural contexts into health strategies. The hands-on experience of working in rural communities, coupled with the invaluable lessons learned from the dedicated team at TGI India, has shaped my approach to global health research. I am now more committed than ever to applying these lessons back in Peru and collaborating internationally to advance health equity and empower communities worldwide.
My sincere thanks to the TGI India team for accompanying me in this journey, the CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases for their support, and the NIHR for this opportunity.