Perspectives of the Community and PHC Doctors from Three Southern States in India on Community Preference for Health Services Provided by Rural Medical Practitioners.

ABSTRACT

Research question Study to determine the reasons why community members continue to access healthcare through Rural Medical Practitioners (RMPs). Objective: To find out the impression of stakeholders i.e. community leaders, PHC doctors and members of community on the need of RMPs cater to the health needs of the communities. Study design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Remote and rural villages in Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu and Kerala. Participants: 322 persons who include 59 RMPs, 81 village heads, 55 PHC doctors and 127 patients.