Institute for Rural Health Studies
Institute for Rural Health Studies (IRHS) was established in 1981 by Dr Patricia Bidinger (Pat) and Mrs. Bhavani Nag in Hyderabad to do research on the nature and cause of rural health problems. Their initial research examined the agricultural and socio-economic determinants of health and nutrition in rural Indian villagers. The research covered inputs including income, expenditure, harvest data, labor force participation as well as health and nutrition parameters. During interaction with the villagers it became evident to Pat and Bhavani that access to healthcare was minimal.