Study on quality assessment of child health care services in a district of Assam

Abstract

Introduction: Children less than five years of age is a critical indicator of the wellbeing of children. In order to reduce infant as well as under-five mortality rate of children, Govt of India has initiated different health programmes as well as recommended Indian Public Health Standards for health care facilities to provide quality health care. Objective: To assess the quality of child health care services at health care facilities at primary and secondary level. Methodology: A cross-sectional study had been conducted at CHCs, PHCs and S/Cs in Kamrup district of Assam. The data had been collected by quality assessment checklists and exit interview with the clients availing the child health services at the health care facilities. Results: The quality of child health care services was assessed by using a system approach-inputs, process and outputs. There were only 66.66% availability of Obstetrics & gynaecology specialist and paediatrician. Physician were available in 33.33% of CHCs. The availability of trained personals was found to be inadequate in all the CHCs and PHCs. Most of the equipments and supplies were available in all the health care facilities. The child health care activities in areas of immunization and cold chain maintenance was found to be satisfactory. Conclusion: The quality of child health care services was found to be average at primary and secondary level.