In hilly areas a subcentre is established for a population of -

Appeared in: UPPSC 2023

Explanation

A Sub-centre is the most peripheral contact point between the community and the primary healthcare system in India.
According to Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS), the population norms for establishing health facilities are adjusted for different geographical terrains.
In hilly, tribal, or other difficult-to-access areas, a Sub-centre is established for a population of 3,000.
This adjustment from the 5,000-person norm in plain areas is made to account for sparse population distribution and challenging geography, ensuring better access to healthcare for remote communities.

Option A: This population norm (1 per 1000) typically applies to community-level volunteers like Village Health Guides (VHGs) or Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), not a formal health facility like a Sub-centre.
Option B: This is the population norm for establishing a Sub-centre in plain areas, not hilly areas.
Option D: This figure does not correspond to the established population norm for a Sub-centre, Primary Health Centre, or Community Health Centre in any type of area.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Population norms for rural health infrastructure in India as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding these population norms is crucial for community health nurses and public health administrators for planning, resource allocation, and ensuring equitable healthcare delivery.
These norms directly impact a nurse's workload, the geographical area they cover, and the health outcomes of the population they serve.
What if? If the population of a hilly area grows to 25,000, the government would plan for not just multiple Sub-centres (approximately 8), but also a Primary Health Centre (PHC), as the norm for a PHC in hilly areas is 20,000.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'Sub-centre', 'hilly areas', and 'population'.
This is a factual recall question based on the standards of the Indian public health system.
Recall the three-tier rural health infrastructure: Sub-centre, Primary Health Centre (PHC), and Community Health Centre (CHC).
Crucially, remember that population norms differ for 'plain' areas versus 'hilly/tribal/difficult' areas.
Access your memory of the specific numbers. The norm for a Sub-centre in a plain area is 5,000, and for a hilly area, it is 3,000.
Select the option that matches the norm for a hilly area.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health NursingShyamala D part 1 (pp 26-389 of 389) p. 80-82

Practise the full UPPSC 2023

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