PHCs, sub-centres to be upgraded in Krishna dist

Vijayawada: Under the nation-wide Ayushman Bharat programme, 88 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and 34 sub-centres in Krishna district will be upgraded and modern equipment and facilities will be provided to conduct the tests and treatment of patients. In order to ensure health and wellness to people, the Central government is focusing on the upgradation of PHCs and sub-centres in the country and developing them in a phased manner.

The PHCs will be transformed as prevention and treatment centres, said Additional District Medical and Health Officer Dr J Usha Rani. Stating that rural people were going to urban areas for medical tests and treatment, she said with the upgradation of PHCs and sub-centres, the rural people need not go to cities and towns for the medical tests and treatment.

Patients suffering from thyroid problem, diabetes, hyper tension, cancer and other diseases can avail the services from PHCs henceforth, she said and added the upgradation process was already started and the PHCs would be developed as wellness centres in the district.

Former Additional District Medical and Health officer and District TB Control Officer Dr Sastry said anytime vending machines (ATMs) would be installed to supply medicines and midlevel staff (BSc nursing graduates) will be appointed to render medical and prevention services as part of Ayushman Bharat Scheme.

He said both the Central and State governments were making efforts to upgrade the PHCs and sub-centres in the country and added over 700 sub-centres in the district would be upgraded in a phased manner. Dr Sastry said emphasis would be laid to promote yoga and mental peace relaxation methods as part of the delivery of services.

Due to lack of adequate facilities, equipment and staff at the PHCs, many people living in the rural areas in the district are visiting the General Hospitals and Area hospitals located in Vijayawada, Machilipatnam and Gudivada.