Project objectives:

This study has been conducted to study the various factors affecting the performance of 24 X 7 PHCs in the ‘C category’ districts (Bagalkote, Bidar, Vijayapura, Kalaburagi, Koppal, Raichur and Yadgir) of Karnataka and suggest measures, both at policy and operational levels, to improve their performance.

Project Result / Accomplishments:

• H level 24×7 PHCs recorded higher numbers of night and complicated deliveries. This proportion was less in M and L level 24×7 PHCs. The average infant deaths in the PHC areas in 2013-14 was 9 in H level PHCs, 7.11 in M level PHCs and 12.38 in L level PHCs. However, these averages weren’t statistically significant to draw conclusions.
• H level 24×7 PHCs recorded higher numbers of night and complicated deliveries. This proportion was less in M and L level 24×7 PHCs. The average infant deaths in the PHC areas in 2013-14 was 9 in H level PHCs, 7.11 in M level PHCs and 12.38 in L level PHCs. However, these averages weren’t statistically significant to draw conclusions
• H level PHCs were significantly better staffed than M and L level PHCs. The proportion of H level PHCs a) having lady doctors, b) having more than 2 doctors and c) having 3 or more staff nurses was higher in comparison to other levels. In 50% of the cases, doctors in H level PHCs were reported to be staying in head-quarters (This ratio was about 22% and 15% respectively).
• The study found that PHCs with lady doctors had considerably higher average deliveries per thousand per year and hence, this affect was visible in H level PHCs, since the proportion of H level PHCs with lady doctors was high.
• Staff nurses of H level PHCs were technically more competent in recalling issues to be observed during ANC checkups and were slightly