Locally available resources – people and materials – are utilized as much as possible and to their full potential. Effective traditional remedies and methods are encouraged and expanded upon. Equipment is technically appropriate and easily manufactured and maintained. This does not, however, translate into the use of second class or outdated technology. In essence the goal of appropriate technology is to empower communities with tools that are useful and beneficial to their development process without producing external dependency. Appropriate technology at the Comprehensive Rural Health Project is utilized on many levels including necessary scientific equipment in the hospital, alternative energy (e.g. wind and solar), solar water heaters, prosthetic limbs, and bio-gas plants. The use of medicinal herbs is also studied and encouraged in the villages. CRHP promotes local use of this technology through demonstration, camps and workshops.

The Jaipur Foot

Artificial lower limbs, which are inexpensive (about $25USD) to make and designed for the rural lifestyle, are manufactured by village people trained by experts in the field. Camps throughout India and other developing countries have provided over 11,000 amputees with artificial limbs at virtually no cost, thanks to the support of various charitable organizations and individual donors.

These prosthetic devices are not designed for cosmetic purposes but rather for the survival of the amputees and their families. The use of an artificial limb/s allows an amputee to work and live a normal and independent life.

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Alternative Energy at CRHP, Jamkhed

The Comprehensive Rural Health Project advocates for expanded use and continued research into low cost and efficient methods of energy production. Rural parts of India such as Jamkhed face chronic energy and water shortages. During the dry season the town and many surrounding villages go without electricity for most of the day. Having access to alternative energy (e.g. solar, wind, etc.) would increase productivity, improve local economy and reduce the poverty, which has such dire consequences on health.

To demonstrate the use of these technologies CRHP has installed solar panels and a wind turbine on its compound, which helps us operate the hospital and training center. However these technologies are still too expensive to be affordable for small villages near Jamkhed. We welcome partnerships with organizations dedicated towards promotion and research in alternative energy.

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Biosand Filter Development Project

CRHP is currently raising funds to support the development of a Biosand filter project in our partner villages. Several filter designs, including concrete, aluminum and plastic, are being evaluated and a pilot study is under way.

The Biosand filter is an innovation on traditional slow sand filters, requiring no electricity or mechanical parts. Gravity and normal biological processes are all that's required to achieve up to 99% filtration efficiency at a cost of about US$25 per unit. As contaminated water is placed into the filter it begins to move through a layer of fine sand. Sediments and larger microorganisms (e.g. cysts, worms, protozoa) are effectively trapped on top of the fine sand column. Over a period of 1-2 weeks a biologically active layer several millimeters thick forms on top of the sand. It is here where the greatest removal of biological contamination takes place through completely natural and chemical free processes. The result is the production of safe drinking water with improved taste, smell and color.

Biosand filter technology is rapidly spreading around the world and is being recognized by the WHO and other international health organizations as an effective household-level water filtration technology. It has great potential to significantly improve health and lower the disease burden in poor communities. We believe this technology likewise has a great potential to reduce the impact of water-borne diseases in the villages partnered with CRHP. Its adaptability, scalability, efficiency and simplicity make this a project worth pursuing. Our current design, known as the Jal Filter, is now undergoing a field trial in a pilot study. If you have experience with Biosand filters or would like to contribute to the development of this program please contact us or make a donation (Get Involved page). Remember to mention Biosand filter project when making an online donation. We thank you for your support.

Our first aluminum Jal filter prototype                                                                     

Jal filter schematic (Courtesy of Jalmandir.com)