In healthcare starved Assam, Dholmara health centre sets example of super-effective functioning

Thursday, December 4, 2014

The primary health centre (PHC) in Dholmara village in Kokrajhar covers a population of 15,000-20,000, a majority of whom are Muslim. The area has had a history of conflict; it was one of the worst affected during the violence of 2012. And yet, the PHC is known for being among the best in the district on the scale of management and service delivery.

The PHC is run by Dr Atawor Rehman and his staff of about 10 people. Dr Rehman does not have an MBBS degree, he is only a medical officer of the Department of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH).

He runs the PHC like a 24×7 hospital, seeing as many as 130 patients a day, even assisting in deliveries. “In a district of approximately 9 lakh people, there are just two qualified gynaecologists,” Rehman said. “Even the private hospitals are shutting down due to this staggering shortage of doctors. Patients keep coming day and night, and I have no option but to continue with the check-ups and treatment.”

Source: The Indian Express (link opens in a new window)

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Environment, Health Care