Sub-centre level healthcare in India

  • The sub-centre is the peripheral outpost of the Indian healthcare system
  • One subcentre caters to the healthcare needs of 5000 population in general and 3000 population in hilly, tribal and backward areas

Services provided by subcentre:

  • antenatal, natal, postnatal
  • family planning and counselling
  • treatment of common illnesses like respiratory tract infections, diarrhoea, fever, worm infestation
  • prevention of malnutrition
  • implementation of various national health programmes

Staff pattern of sub-centre:

  • 1 female health worker – Auxiliary nurse midwife
  • 1 male health worker – Multipurpose worker
  • Voluntary worker to help the Auxillary nurse midwife
  • 1 Female Health Assistant (Lady Health Visitor) and 1 Male Health Assistant at the PHC level are given the supervision of 6 sub-centers

Funding of sub-centre:

  • The central government gives salary to the Lady Health Visitor and the Auxiliary Nurse Midwife in addition to contingency fund, drug and equipment supply
  • The state government gives salary to the Multipurpose worker
  • The voluntary worker is paid from the contingency fund of the Auxiliary Nurse Midwife