The district-level inauguration of the elevation of primary health centres (PHCs) to family health care centres as part of the State government’s Aardram Mission will be held on Saturday.
Eldhose Kunnappilly, MLA, will inaugurate the programme at Kodanad primary health centre at 10 a.m. and Antony John, MLA, at Kuttampuzha primary health centre at 3 p.m.
As many as 15 centres will turn operational in the district this year. In the second phase, PHCs at Payipra, Chowara, Thirumaradi, Eroor, and Cheranalloor will be elevated to family health care centres. PHCs at Gothuruth, Nayarambalam, Manjapra, Mazhuvannoor, Chellanam, Karumalloor, and Thrikkakara will be elevated by December 31 in the third and fourth phases.
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The Aardram Mission aims at the complete health care of families covering protection, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care. The outpatient wings of the family health care centres will be operational from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. on Sundays. Primary treatment for diseases will be offered at these centres, while those in need of advanced care will be referred. Lab facility will be available between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. The working time of labs will be extended where more than one lab technician are available. Pharmacies will function from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Mondays to Saturdays and from 9 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. on Sundays.
Steps will be taken to diagnose and contain epidemics and non-epidemics at the primary stage. Family health care centres are also equipped to undertake preventive measures in emergency situations. They will function as counselling and health care education centres as well as rescue centres from domestic violence. In times of need, treatment will be offered at home.
Health care service projects for the public will be drawn up on the basis of the annual family health care survey. E-health facilities will be utilised for the purpose. A family health care register will be prepared and revised annually, based on which the health care services to be extended to each member of the family will be decided.
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All health care services and schemes run by the Central and State governments will be made available at the centres. District and panchayat-level committees have been formed for the operation, monitoring, review, and course correction of the centres. District Collector K. Mohammed Y. Safirulla said local bodies would lead the coordinated activities of various departments.