Table 2 Provider eligibility criteria - Suraj intervention model

• Provider should be female (preferably married) aged 18–35

• Preference was for non-MNCH midwives, however if none were available LHVs or nurses were considered for inclusion

• Provider had at least ten years of education, preferably with science subjects

• Preference if provider was a native and practicing in the same area

• Had more than two years of work experience in FP/RH

• Provider was willing for partnership, expansion of quality services and business

• Provider was willing to be checked for her work, report, audit etc.

• Provider was willing to provide the physical infrastructure to meet the basic needs of a standard FP service Centre such as privacy for clients, proper place for examination, waiting area, enough ventilation and light arrangement and a sterilization area