Evaluation Study on Functioning of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) Assisted under Social Safety Net Programme (SSNP)

Abstract

The Evaluation Study on Primary Health Centres (PHCs) under the Social Safety Net Programme (SSNP) (1992–1996) assesses the effectiveness of PHCs in improving maternal and child health outcomes in underserved districts of Haryana, Orissa, and Uttar Pradesh. The study highlights significant gaps in infrastructure, human resources, and medical service delivery, noting that no PHCs were fully equipped with the essential facilities required for institutional deliveries. Absenteeism among doctors and the absence of lady physicians contributed to low utilization of maternal health services, while population coverage per PHC exceeded recommended norms, leading to overcrowding. Beneficiary feedback indicated dissatisfaction due to insufficient staffing, sanitation issues, and limited drug availability, although PHCs remained preferred over alternative healthcare sources. Immunization data revealed mixed performance in Diphtheria-Tetanus (D.T.) vaccination, with SSNP-supported PHCs generally achieving higher coverage than non-assisted centres, though disparities persisted across states and districts. The study recommends enhancing infrastructure, strengthening staffing and retention strategies, implementing community-based approaches, and establishing robust monitoring mechanisms. Overall, findings underscore the need for targeted policy interventions and resource allocation to improve PHC performance, maternal care, and immunization coverage in India’s most vulnerable regions.