Mobile clinic approach to tackle reproductive health problems of women in North India
Amarjeet Singh
Bulletin Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 38(2): 66-70
2004
Document Number: 529854
An investigation was conducted to ascertain the reproductive morbidity profile of patients attending a mobile clinic, as well as the people's response to the mobile clinic . 10 villages were selected from randomly selected primary health centres in Chandigarh, India. Monthly mobile clinics were held in these villages for reproductive health (RH) problems of women aged 15-45 years. A lady doctor, a nurse, 4 field investigators and a social scientist managed the clinics. 144 clinics were held in the villages where 3706 patients were seen. 462 (12.5%) of these were RH problems. Vaginal discharge comprised 66% of RH cases. Other main problems were backache, menstrual problems and uterine prolapse. Women largely welcomed the organization of mobile clinics because of the lack of access to adequate health care. The cost per patient was Rs 162 for general cases and Rs 1299 for RH cases. Results show that mobile clinics are useful but more costly option for RH care provision.