Coastal PHCs lack 24/7 service, raising concerns over after-hours care

The quest for medical treatment after evening hours at primary health centers (PHCs) in the coastal areas often ends with a disappointing discovery – locked doors. Despite the government’s vision of extending round-the-clock healthcare services to rural populations, the majority of PHCs fail to operate beyond their regular daytime hours.

Regrettably, apart from the Shankara Narayan PHC in Udupi district, none of the primary health centers provide 24-hour service. This absence of constant medical aid raises concerns over timely access to healthcare, particularly during emergencies.

The coastal region encompasses a total of 127 PHCs, with 66 situated in the district of  Dakshina Kannada and the remaining 61 in Udupi district. However, only the Shankara Narayan PHC remains committed to delivering medical attention beyond the conventional 9 am to 4.30 pm time frame. This limited operational span amounts to a mere seven hours of daily service, factoring in a 30-minute break.

Those who fall ill in the evening hours or later are compelled to seek assistance at the Taluk Hospital or the Community Health Center. The lack of 24-hour service in PHCs creates a considerable inconvenience for patients, especially during critical situations. The existing alternative options, though available, pose challenges such as distance and transportation limitations.

The government’s proposal to enhance PHC facilities with continuous operations, including the deployment of women doctors, AYUSH practitioners, expanded bed capacity, specialized surgery rooms, and emergency treatment provisions, remains unimplemented.

Residents and experts alike call for swift action to address this pressing issue. The demand resonates for the extension of 24-hour service across all PHCs to ensure equitable and timely medical care for coastal communities.

Dr. Nagabhushan Udupa, District Health Officer for Udupi District, underscores the necessity of staffing and establishing shift-based schedules to accommodate uninterrupted services. In a similar vein, Dr. Kishore Kumar, District Health Officer for DK District, highlights the absence of a 24-hour service system, emphasizing that it was in place years ago but has since ceased.

Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Dinesh Gundurao, the Minister for the State Department of Health and Welfare, acknowledges the need for additional staffing and intends to explore viable solutions for PHC operation extensions.