One CHC covers a population of in hilly areas?

Appeared in: AIIMS Patna NO - 2020

Explanation

According to Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS), a Community Health Centre (CHC) is established to serve a population of 80,000 in hilly, tribal, or difficult-to-access areas.
This is different from the norm in plain areas, where a single CHC covers a larger population of 1,20,000.
The lower population norm for hilly regions is a deliberate policy to ensure that healthcare services remain accessible despite geographical challenges and scattered populations.

Option B: 10,000 is not a standard population norm for a CHC. It is closer to the population covered by two Sub-Centres in a plain area.
Option C: 30,000 is the population norm for a Primary Health Centre (PHC), not a CHC.
Option D: 50,000 is the population norm for an Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC).

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 per Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding these population norms is crucial for community health nurses for planning, resource allocation, and evaluating the reach of public health programs.
These standards help ensure equitable distribution of healthcare infrastructure based on geographical and demographic needs, which is a core principle of public health.
What if the question asked about a PHC in a hilly area? The answer would change to 20,000, highlighting the importance of knowing the specific norms for each type of facility and terrain.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'CHC' (Community Health Centre), 'population', and 'hilly areas'.
This is a factual recall question based on the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS).
Recall the three-tier rural health system: Sub-Centre, Primary Health Centre (PHC), and Community Health Centre (CHC).
Remember that population norms differ for plain areas versus hilly/tribal areas. Hilly areas always have a lower population requirement per facility to ensure accessibility.
Compare the given options with the known IPHS norm for a CHC in a hilly area (80,000) to find the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Population norms for rural health infrastructure in India as per Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS).
Stem keywords: CHC, Community Health Centre, population, hilly areas
Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE
Negative lead-in flag: false

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

E6 Principles and Practice of NURSING Management Leadership for BSc Nursing 3rd Edi Jogindra Vati — Subpart A (pp 26-339 of 1017) p. 20-22

Practise the full AIIMS Patna NO - 2020

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