Introduction:

In India various national health programs and policies have laid down guidelines regarding  minimum health care facilities which should be available at peripheral levels. This study was planned to evaluate services provided at RHTC and compare them with national guidelines.    

Objectives:

1. To assess the various diagnostic and treatment services provided at RHTC.

2. To compare the RHTC services with those provided by PHC of the same area.

Methodology:
It was a record based retrospective observational study carried out in a Rural Health Training Centre located at Sakawar, Dist– Palghar. Data collected included various lab investigations and X–rays carried out during calendar year 2014. Data was also collected from weekly, monthly and yearly OPD and dispensary records. Comparisons were made with services provided at nearby Primary Health Centres.

Results:
The annual attendance of Sakawar OPD was around 34000. Lab investigations carried out included more than 1000 CBC, 118 Urine–R&M, 54 UPT (18 positive), around 3000 blood sugar tests, RFT, LFT and Lipid Profile. Also PSMP, Sputum AFB and HIV tests were available. Treatment for various communicable diseases like Malaria, Respiratory infections, skin infections, etc was available while that for Tuberculosis, Leprosy, etc was lacking. Under Non–communicable diseases treatment of Hypertension, Diabetes, Asthma, Epilepsy, Mental disorders was available.

Conclusions:

The RHTC fares better than PHCs in providing Secondary Prevention services. However, the treatment of chronic diseases and provision of Ante–natal care can be added to the list of existing services. Also improvement in procedure for maintenance of records is desirable.