Community Perception of a District Health System

Abstract

The outreach of health care delivery by the network of primary health centres (PHCs) to cater to the needs of community was assessed in Khurda district of Orissa as viewed by the community. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods were employed. Regularity of visits by the health workers was reported to be very low. Heads of household felt that though the services of health workers were relevant to their needs, they were not satisfied with the services provided. A majority of the respondents also had a similar perception. No gender bias was noticed with respect to these issues. The perception of scheduled caste and scheduled tribe households and focus groups indicated that these disadvantaged sections desire greater attention towards their needs. They said they were discriminated against when it came to providing health services at the doorsteps of the households and the examination of their family members in their house. The overall perception of the people revealed that there was a need to strengthen and reorient the health care delivery system and to make it more responsive to the felt needs of the community.