Utilization of Primary Health Care Services:A Case Study in Kannur District, Kerala

Background/Objectives: Health is an important determinant of human life. Health status of the people determines the average life expectancy, productivity, the earning capacity, employment and all other socio-economic indicators. The present study brings out a brief picture of utilization of primary health care services in Kannur districts of Kerala.

Methods/Statistical analysis: The present study is based on both primary and secondary data. The secondary data were collected from various published and unpublished sources from Economic and Statistical Department, records of PHC and Hospitals, Directorate Health Service Trivandrum. The primary data were collected from 50 households in Kannur district through structured interview schedule.

Findings: Approximately 80 percent households in the study area are not satisfied with the performance of PHC unit. Laboratory facilities are inadequate in the district. Inadequacy of supportive staff is yet another problem of PHC. This creates unnecessary delays to the patients for getting medicine and other services.

Improvements/Applications: patient section should be strengthening by supplying more number of beds and infrastructure facilities. Strengthening of sub-centers and equipping the government health care institutions would be more effective for effective utilization of health care institutions. It is necessary to conduct frequent health surveys in the district and to conduct free health camps at least 3 times in a year.