Primary Health Centres in India
Primary Health Centres (PHCs), sometimes referred to as public health centres, are state-owned facilities in India that provide crucial healthcare services, primarily to rural and underserved urban populations. These centres form the backbone of the public health system in India, which is organized through a three-tier system: Sub-Centres, Primary Health Centres, and Community Health Centres.
Structure and Function
Each Primary Health Centre is theoretically designed to serve a population of about 30,000 people. These centres are equipped with basic medical infrastructure and personnel to handle a variety of health issues. PHCs operate as the first point of contact between the populace and the healthcare system. They provide services including maternal and child health, immunization, family planning, nutrition education, and control of locally endemic diseases.
Personnel and Services
Typically, each PHC is supported by a network of five or six sub-centres, which are staffed by health workers such as Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Anganwadi workers. These personnel are crucial for delivering healthcare services directly to the community. The role of community health workers has been expanding, with initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres allowing them to perform more medical tasks.
Administration and Policy
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) oversees the operation of PHCs. This ministry is responsible for framing policies, implementing programs, and monitoring the health infrastructure across the country. The development and maintenance of PHCs is crucial for achieving universal health coverage, which is a key objective of the National Health Mission.
Challenges and Developments
Despite their significance, PHCs face numerous challenges, including inadequate staffing, lack of essential medicines, and poor infrastructure. The healthcare expenditure in India has historically been low, which impacts the quality and reach of services provided by PHCs. Recent initiatives, however, aim to strengthen this foundational tier of healthcare by increasing financial investments and improving training and resources for healthcare workers.