Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) act as the first and in many cases the only access to medical support in rural areas. The purpose of the PHCs is to provide comprehensive primary care including integrated curative and preventative healthcare to the rural population. PHC is also the first point of contact between the medical officer and the village community. Although there are over 24,918 PHCs in rural India, these centers often face a shortfall of skilled staff and adequate infrastructure to deliver medical services.
Under the government’s Ayushman Bharat scheme, 1,50,000 PHCs and Sub Health Centers will be converted into Health and Wellness Centers by December 2022 to expand the extent of medical aid provided at these centers. By providing free essential diagnostic services and medicines, wellness activities like Yoga as well as teleconsultation facilities, these centers will become better equipped to serve their communities, which is essential to reclaiming India’s primary health sector.
