Urban Primary Health Centre languishes in neglect

At the Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC) in village Sunet, three Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) are solely managing operations. This UPHC, under the National Health Mission, is currently functioning out of just two rooms, without a gynaecologist or a nurse.

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Previously a dispensary, the facility was upgraded to a UPHC. However, after the opening of the Ayushman Arogya Kendra (AAK) in the same premises, the UPHC has been relegated to a secondary position. Upon entering the premises, visitors are directed towards AAK, and a narrow passage leads to the UPHC. The only indication of the UPHC’s existence is a painted board on the main wall of the building. Once inside, it’s difficult to discern whether the UPHC is still operational.

Patients typically head to AAK, and those seeking vaccinations are redirected to the UPHC. However, the doctor at AAK performs only maternal check-ups, as there is no gynaecologist at the UPHC. Although there was a position for a gynaecologist and a nurse, both were assigned to the Civil Hospital, and since then, no replacements have been posted here. The UPHC relies on nine Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) for support. With the opening of AAK, the doctor-in-charge there manages the patients, while the UPHC focuses mainly on immunisation and health and family planning surveys.

“Earlier, we were in the main building, but after the AAK opened, we were moved to two rooms at the back of the building. In one room, we work, and in the other, we store vaccines in refrigerators and keep our records in almirahs,” said Seema, an ANM at the UPHC.

Wednesdays are especially busy as people line up for routine immunisations, but there is a lack of proper seating facilities for those waiting. A few seats are placed outside the room, but without a shed, these seats are rarely used and are in poor condition.

“We need proper seating arrangements because infants and small children come for vaccinations,” said ANM Rajwant Kaur.