PHC, a centre of attraction

It is not every day that a primary health centre (PHC) becomes the star of an election campaign.

The people at the vibrant rural hamlet in Chemmaruthi grama panchayat in Thiruvananthapuram district are, however, not surprised. For them, in these past five years, the PHC here has become an integral part of their daily life — from health care delivery to taking up worthy social causes — almost all of the community activities in the panchayat are now centred around the PHC. The medical officer here is one of the most influential persons in the community.

 Chemmaruthi had been the preserve of the LDF for nearly 40 years when the UDF wrested it from them in the last local body elections. The phenomenal changes that have been brought about in the health care delivery system at the grassroots-level, centred around Chemmaruthi PHC, is being showcased by the UDF as the key achievement of its five-year tenure.

“For the people, nothing matters like health. In the last five years, the panchayat administration and the PHC’s hospital management committee have worked together to ensure that all the basic health requirements of the people here are met at the PHC itself. All medicines, including those for non-communicable diseases are supplied free-of-cost and we ensure that there is no shortage in supply,” says Panayara Raju, vice president of the panchayat and the UDF’s candidate for president from Thokkad ward.

The PHC, where the daily outpatient clinic never used to be more than 20, today attends to some 300 patients daily, till 4 p.m. Instead of one doctor, there are three doctors and five paramedical staff. There is ECG facility, computerised lab and pharmacy, token system for OP and pharmacy, and a host of patient amenities such as waiting area, drinking water, breastfeeding room, family welfare clinic, and palliative care services with home care facility.

“The panchayat was committed towards providing better health care facilities for people and Plan funds were utilised accordingly. The PHC has received the State government’s accreditation and it was selected for the Centre’s pilot project on Universal Health Coverage, which brought in more funds. Despite the political differences, the Opposition too has been appreciative of the positive changes,” says K.R. Gopakumar, the health inspector here.