HEALTH FACILITIES (BHUS)

Abstract

Objective: To measure the distance of villagesfrom the facility (BHU) and to analyze the geographical location, Pattern of Access and health facility utilization. StudyPurpose: To improve the health status of community, by improving the geographical patterns of access and healthfacility utilization in Pakistan and to provide necessary information to policy makers, planners and health care providersfor improvement of health facility utilization in Pakistan. Study Design: A cross sectional study. Setting: At UnionCouncil Gali Jagir, Tehsil Fateh Jang, District Attock. Period: From 15 Nov 1999 to 31 Dec 2000. Material & Method:Measurement of the distance from the villages to the health facility and the facility record was reviewed to assess theutilization pattern by the village population. Information about mode of travel, time for travel and cost of traveling wascollected by the key informers. Results: 22% of villages and 23% of population was situated at a distance of 3km fromthe BHU. 33% of villages and 30% of population were living within 5km. 67% of villages and 70% of population wassituated at a distance of more than 5km from BHU.The overall health facility utilization of BHU Gali Jagir is 8.34%.Discussion: The health facility utilization decreases as the distance increases. Geographical accessibility up to adistance of 3km is a new finding in the study. We have noted that majority of the villages and populations, 67% villagesand 70% population is uncovered and 33% villages’ and 30%population is under served. Conclusion: The study hasidentified the gaps in the geographical access patterns that an accessible distance is 3km instead of 5km (as acceptedby world health organization). Distance of 3km was accessible for seeking care from a public health care facility. Theover all health facility utilization was 8.32 %, which was alarmingly low.