A young designer from Ahmednagar is helping to improve access to digital healthcare in her home country of India and around the world using skills she learnt from earning her master’s degree at UCL

On a bustling morning in Ahmednagar, a small town in Maharashtra, Bhavisha Darji recalls lively conversations with local villagers about healthcare access over cups of chai. These moments ignited her passion for bridging the gaps in digital healthcare, particularly for marginalized communities. At just 28, she emerged as a pivotal force in addressing healthcare disparities through innovative design and research, skills that were honed during her Master of Public Administration at University College London (UCL).

The Road to UCL

Before her transformative journey to London, Bhavisha played a crucial role in Meghalaya, a region characterized by its diverse tribal communities. As the Innovation Lead for the Learning Lab Meghalaya project, she spearheaded initiatives aimed at enhancing access to family planning resources among young couples. Operating in over 50 health and wellness centers, she meticulously balanced community needs with local cultural nuances, ensuring her work was grounded in respect and understanding.

“Using my service design and systems thinking skills, I crafted research methodologies tailored to the local context,” Bhavisha explains, reflecting on her time in the northeastern state. “The healthcare environment was rich with complexities, and my experiences highlighted the need for solutions that align with community values.”

A New Horizon in London

Bhavisha sought out UCL’s Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, drawn by its commitment to addressing societal challenges through governance and policy design. This academic haven allowed her to explore advanced approaches to community engagement.

“The UCL programme opened my eyes to the intricate power dynamics at play within public administration,” she states. “Working alongside marginalized groups revealed the different layers of policy-making that often overlook their voices.”

However, her transition from fieldwork to academia was not without its hurdles. Despite her practical experience, Bhavisha grappled with the demands of academic writing and citation standards in her coursework. Fortunately, the supportive environment at UCL, coupled with the validation of her expertise, helped her navigate these challenges.

Hands-on Experience with Reach Alliance

While at UCL, Bhavisha also immersed herself in practical experiences, collaborating with the Reach Alliance—a global network dedicated to advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Working under the mentorship of Professor Julius Mugwagwa, she focused on understanding the digital healthcare landscape in Brent, one of London’s most diverse boroughs.

In her research, Bhavisha identified significant barriers residents faced in accessing healthcare services:

• Language Proficiency: With Gujarati being the second most spoken language in Brent, she found that many healthcare platforms were not designed for non-English speakers.
• Digital Proficiency Gap: Many residents, particularly older individuals, struggled with digital tools essential for accessing healthcare, such as online appointment scheduling.
• Lack of Trust: A history of different political and healthcare systems led many immigrants to distrust the NHS, impacting their willingness to seek medical attention.

“What I discovered in Brent echoed my experiences in Meghalaya,” she notes. “In both regions, there’s an urgent need for accessible, culturally sensitive healthcare solutions that prioritize local barriers.”

A Shift in Paradigms

Bhavisha’s work speaks to a broader understanding of how healthcare policies must resonate with communities. Dr. Anjali Kapoor, a public health expert, emphasizes this need: “Policy-making should be a collaborative effort. By integrating local insights, we can develop solutions that are more than just platitudes; they have the potential to create tangible change.”

According to a recent study conducted by the Global Institute for Health Equity, healthcare access is significantly influenced by cultural contexts, further underscoring the necessity for localized approaches. The study concluded that communities engage more with healthcare services when they see their cultural values represented in these systems.

Following her graduation, Bhavisha was selected to attend the AFS Youth Assembly in New York, a platform for young leaders to network and foster impactful initiatives. As she prepares for this next chapter, her commitment to improving healthcare access remains steadfast.

Looking Ahead

“I want to take what I’ve learned back to India,” she states with determination. The fusion of her UCL education and hands-on experience places her in a unique position to address complex healthcare challenges. “It’s not just about digital tools; it’s about empowering communities by aligning technology with their unique needs.”

With the skills she has acquired, it’s clear that Bhavisha Darji is poised to become a leading voice in the movement for inclusive healthcare, demonstrating the powerful impact of combining global insights with local expertise. Her journey from the heart of Ahmednagar to the international stage highlights not only her potential but also the urgent necessity of rethinking healthcare access for marginalized communities globally. As she takes these crucial steps toward change, Bhavisha embodies hope for a future where healthcare is not a privilege but a fundamental right accessible to all.

Source: www.ucl.ac.uk