Publication:

Assessment of infrastructure and manpower as per IPHS guideline of the primary health centers in a district of Maharashtra: a descriptive study

Background Primary health care is provided through PHCs. Primary health care includes the curative care for the diseases, preventive, promotive and rehabilitative care to the specified population of the defined area. The aim of the study was to assess infrastructure and manpower at primary health care centres as per IPHS guidelines.

Methods This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in 13 PHCs randomly selected, 1 from 13 blocks of Buldana district. A face-to-face interview was conducted using the semi structured questionnaire.

Results The 13 PHCs have MBBS medical officer. There are 10 (77%) PHC having their own building. The infrastructure for counselling room and health and wellness room is available at 11 (85%) PHCs. Major of the gap in human resource was seen in staff nurse (54%), pharmacist (23%), lab technician (46%), health assistant female (15%), counsellor (85%), dresser (77%), Data entry operator DEO (77%). Interrupted drug supply was reported for some drugs.

Conclusions The infrastructure at PHC needs to be improved and manpower at PHC can be filled up for better quality of health services delivery.