Glossary term
Primary Health Centre (PHC): Meaning and Definition
Reviewed and approved by Dr. Anamika ShrivastavaPublished Last updated
A primary health centre (PHC) is a government health facility, usually staffed by a doctor, nurse and a few other workers, that gives basic curative and preventive care to a rural population. It sits above sub-centres and below community health centres and refers difficult cases to larger hospitals.
In more detail
The norm is about one PHC for 30,000 people in plains and 20,000 in hilly areas. Studies in the textbook found that many PHCs lacked enough doctors and medicines, which pushes people to private providers. Strengthening the primary tier is seen as the cheapest way to improve the health of poor and rural people.
Example
A villager with a fever visits the PHC for diagnosis and medicine, and a serious case is referred to a district hospital.
Key points
- Part of the primary tier of health care.
- Gives immunisation, mother and child care.
- Refers serious cases onward.
Common mistake
Confusing a PHC with a sub-centre or a community health centre.
Related terms
Where it is explained
This term is explained in Class 11 Indian Economic Development Chapter 8: Infrastructure.