Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development
  • Year: 2018
  • Volume: 9
  • Issue: 6

Qualitative Study on What Makes a Primary Health Center Gets Utilized, in Belgaum District North Karnataka India

1Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Apollo Institute of Medical Science and Research, Chittoor Dist. A.P

2Deputy Civil Surgeon. CHC Tanakal, Anathapur. Dist, A.P

3Msc. Biotechanology. Junior Scientist, Apollo Institute of Medical Science and Research, Chittoor Dist. A.P

4Professor and Head of the Department of Community Medicine, Apollo Institute of Medical Science and Research, Chittoor Dist. A.P

*Corresponding author: Dr. Devika Pandurang Jeeragyal Assistant Professor Apollo Medical College and Research Health. Chittoor, Andra Pradesh

Online published on 19 June, 2018.

Abstract

Primary health center is to provide the primary health care that is essential health care based on practice, scientifically sound and socially acceptable methods and universally acceptable to individuals and families in the community through their full participation and at a cost the community and country can afford. PHC is a back bone of Indian public health system. In the Indian context, it is very important for all PHC to get utilized so that people who cannot afford need not pay in the private sectors

The aim of the study was to explore and develop the framework of the factors that contribute to utilization of health care services at primary health center. The study was conducted with the objective to understand the factors that contribute for better utilization of services at PHC

Qualitative study was done to explore the factors contributing for utilization of Primary health center (PHC)

Six PHC were selected and total 26 interviews and 6 Focus group discussion (FGD) were conducted. Factors contributing for utilization were summarized. Important determinants for better utilization of PHC were staff staying in head quarters, 24/7 services, staff interaction with patient, reputation of the PHC, informal payment, community ownership and political will, infrastructure, and referral services. Can apply these factors to other PHCs where the services are not utilizing properly.

Keywords

Primary health center, services, utilization, contributing factors. Framework