Among all the primary health centres in the district, the one at Palya, a village in Alur taluk, has recorded the highest number of deliveries last year, thanks to medical officer Nisar Fatima. The Health Department is checking if the 520 deliveries recorded in 2014 is the highest in the State.
Dr. Fatima, who has been working in the village for the past 14 years, is a native of Gowribidanur. She did her MBBS from the Bellary Medical College in 1994 and moved to Hassan in 2001 as medical officer on contract basis at the Palya PHC. “When I came here, the hospital had no infrastructure and staff. Gradually, the number of patients increased and people appreciated my work. The Health Department also improved the hospital infrastructure,” she said.
The Palya PHC offers medical services to residents of 40 villages in Alur taluk. Now, people from neighbouring taluks — Sakleshpur, Belur, Hassan, and parts of Mudigere in Chikkamagaluru — also visit this centre.
“By word of mouth, people from different places come here. Every day, at least 30 pregnant women come to the hospital,” she said.
Considering the number of patients and services available, the Health Department has declared it as a 24x7 PHC and provided three nurses as support staff.
“Even during holidays, I get calls from patients. I have attended to pregnancy cases at midnight several times. Except a few critical cases, all patients are treated here. We don’t have the facility to conduct caesarean. A majority of deliveries are normal,” she said.
Senior officials of the Health Department have visited the Palya PHC and appreciated her work. The Karnataka General Medical Officers’ Association has felicitated Dr. Fatima.
Residents of 40 villages in Alur taluk avail themselves of the medical services at Palya PHC
