Community Health Centers: Lifeline of Small Towns in India

Community health centers (CHCs) have emerged as a vital element of the healthcare landscape in the small towns of India. They have been instrumental in not only delivering medical assistance but also in elevating the overall well-being of growing urban communities.

Amidst a dengue outbreak in August, Bhubaneswar’s Health Department swiftly opened dengue wards in CHCs. This improved the city's preparedness for handling the surge and reassured the community’s safety during the crisis. Recently, UNICEF's state chief lauded the health authorities for providing quality vaccinations at Banganga CHC, Indore. Their child-friendly model has ensured essential immunisation in a welcoming environment.

The Basti Dawakhana is an initiative similar to Delhi’s Mohalla Clinics. These centres are providing quality healthcare to the urban poor under the Greater Hyderabad MC. Located near slums, they cater to close to 10,000 people and offer free consultations, tests, and drugs.

Citizen involvement has also been crucial to the smooth functioning of CHCs. In Varanasi district, CHCs have excelled in maternal and child health due to the mobilisation of beneficiaries by ASHA workers. The relocation of Gurdaspur’s Civil Hospital to the outskirts made affordable medical aid inaccessible for locals, compelling them to turn to costly private alternatives. But with continued public pressure, a new CHC has now been established in the same location.

CHCs in India grapple with specialist staff shortages, inadequate funding, and limited resources. This hinders their ability to provide comprehensive healthcare services, especially to the underprivileged. Even in critical situations, residents in Khajuraho had to rush to the district hospital 45 km away due to the lack of proper medical aid. But in preparation for the G20 Summit, the CHC came to be equipped with modern life-saving facilities, transforming into a beacon of hope for the locals. Ultimately, CHCs persist as a lifeline that makes Indian cities healthier and more resilient.

Have you ever visited a CHC in your city? How are CHCs in your area addressing healthcare challenges?