Development of Primary Health Care Systems and MCH Services in Karnataka

Abstract

The present study examined the performance of MCH programmes relative to the development of primary health care systems in Karnataka state. The study focused its analysis on the institutional development of primary health care systems, namely, Sub-Centres (SCs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs) in terms of expansion and populations served by these facilities during the past three decades consequent to adoption of ‘Health for All by 2000’ strategy, and performance of MCH services in the past 20 years with respect to key components.

The study finds that the primary health care systems in Karnataka are not only intensively developed in comparison to the country as a whole but also on similar levels with other South Indian states. The health facilities in Malnad and coastal districts are more evenly and intensively developed than in other regions. The facilities in many taluks of Hyderabad Karnataka are burdened with much higher population coverage than the specified population norms, particularly with respect to SCs and PHCs.

Karnataka is far behind the goals set by the NPP of 2000 in the performance of MCH indicators as compared to Kerala and Tamil Nadu states. The population parameters specified by the NPP-2000 for the creation of SCs and PHCs were almost achieved in the state within a decade of expansion drive, that is, during 1990–91. The overall progress of MCH performance in Karnataka is, however not in tandem with the extent of expansion in health facilities. The process of progress in MCH programmes in the state appears to be staggered by low and sluggish performances in Mumbai and Hyderabad Karnataka districts. More health facilities, specifically, SCs and PHCs may be created in Hyderabad and Mumbai Karnataka districts.