How many deliveries occur at a B-Type PHC?

Appeared in: Punjab CHO - 2021

Explanation

According to Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS), Primary Health Centers (PHCs) are classified based on their monthly delivery caseload.
A Type B PHC is specifically defined as a center with a delivery load of 20 or more deliveries in a month.
This classification ensures that Type B centers are adequately staffed and equipped to provide 24x7 delivery services.
The option 'More than 20 deliveries in a month' correctly reflects the IPHS definition for a Type B PHC.

Option A: This option is incorrect. While a Type B PHC might have fewer than 40 deliveries, the defining threshold is 20, not 40.
Option B: This is incorrect. The IPHS standard sets the minimum threshold for a Type B PHC at 20 deliveries, not 40. A PHC with over 40 deliveries would still be a Type B, but this is not the defining number.
Option D: This option is incorrect. A delivery load of less than 20 per month is the defining characteristic of a Type A PHC, not a Type B PHC.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain IPHS classification of Primary Health Centers (PHCs) based on delivery load as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the PHC classification is vital for nurses as it directly impacts their roles, responsibilities, and the resources available. A nurse in a Type B PHC must be prepared for a higher workload and 24/7 emergency duties.
This system ensures patient safety by matching facility resources to community needs. A pregnant woman in the catchment area of a Type B PHC can expect access to round-the-clock delivery services.
What if? If a PHC designated as Type A consistently sees its delivery numbers rise to over 20 per month, the nursing supervisor and medical officer must report this data. This could trigger a re-evaluation and upgrade to Type B status, leading to increased staff and funding to meet the higher demand safely.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'B-Type PHC'.
Recognize that this is a specific classification under a national health guideline (IPHS in India).
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge about the IPHS guidelines for health center classification.
Recall the specific criterion that differentiates Type A and Type B PHCs, which is the number of deliveries per month.
Compare the recalled number (20 or more for Type B) with the given options to select the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: IPHS classification of Primary Health Centers (PHCs) based on delivery load.
Stem keywords: B-Type PHC, deliveries, month
Lead-in keywords: How many

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E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health Nursing for BSc Nursing Students Part 2 — Subpart B (pp 276-535 of 550) p. 114-116

Practise the full Punjab CHO - 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.