IJAR - Indian Journal of Applied Research

R.K.Kalundha; Dr.A.K.Dixit

Volume : VI, Issue : VI, June - 2016

Potential Assessment of the subcentres: A case study in desert

R. K. Kalundha, Dr. A. K. Dixit

Abstract :

 A subcentre in the hierarchy of extensive health care delivery system happens to be first point of contact between the system and the community. As such, it entails much importance in health care delivery. The regular assessment of them in terms of their curative potential is much desired and is reported as well. The paper presents an appraisal of the situation in desert, where the distances add to observed poor access to these centre in general in India. 55 subcentres attached to two community health centres (CHCs) in typical desert district of Jaisalmer were visited to record information on their curative potential through pretested questionnaires. The centres were found to register on an average four to five OPD cases per day. Good infrastructure, necessary equipments and prompt supply of required medicines were found lacking. Single bed availability was found in 45.4% of subcentres, availability of minor surgical in 30.9% and a spacious OPD room in 43.6%. Demand of water connection in 43.6%, fridge in 62.2%, appropriate furniture in 39.1% and building repair work in 47.3% was recorded. Needed equipments like glucometer, slide box, thermometer etc. was found in less than 20% of the subcentres. On an average, 13 H/H were found visited by an ANM per day with revisit to them by a fortnight. The image of these centres rated by 88.1% of the users was found between fair to good on a four point scale. Thus in desert special attention is required to be paid to strengthen the subcentres in terms of infrastructure, equipments and prompt supply of required medicines to come up to the satisfaction of the users in order to enhance more the access to primary health care in dessert.