1 primary health centre for every 44,000 persons in UP: RTI

Each primary health centre (PHC) in Uttar Pradesh caters to a population of over 44,000 persons, much higher than the Indian Public Health Standards norm of 30,000 persons, an RTI query has revealed.
In reply to an RTI application filed by activist Urvashi Sharma, Director of UP Medical and Health department informed that there are 3496 PHCs and 773 Community Health Centres (CHCs) in the state.
She said that taking into account 20 crore population of the state, as per 2011 census, including 77.3 per cent rural population on an average there is one PHC for over 44 thousand.
She said the data is "self explanatory" and shows the "poor state of health services" in the state.

According to Dr Ashok Yadav, President of UP Provincial Medical Services Association (UPPMSA) as per Indian Public Health Standards, there should be a PHC and a CHC for every 30 thousand and 1.2 lakh persons respectively.
"There should be, 7000 PHCs and 1600 CHCs in the state as per the norms. There is vacancy of 3500 government doctors in the state and the present situation is after fresh appointments of as many doctors in the state few months back," he said.
At present there are 13500 government doctors in the state including 3500 specialists and rest MBBS degree holders, he added.