ABSTRACT
PIP: This news brief discusses the important role of general practitioners (GPs) in providing primary health care in India. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) is committed to achieving the goal of "Health for All by the Year 2000." The IMA aims to provide health care to the needy rural population with the help of voluntary organizations, to improve the science and art of medicine, to provide primary health care in communities, and to practice sound medicine. GPs are at the center of the medical community and link the community to hospitals. GPs must become members of the IMA, take refresher and continuing medical education courses, and keep pace with the changing technology. GPs must visit hospitals and make rounds in addition to attending lectures. GPs must be knowledgeable about referrals and provide prompt referrals to medical specialists. Properly trained GPs can serve as supervisors of paramedical staff. The involvement of GPs in the National Health Program will determine its success. Community welfare is dependent upon GPs and their role in prevention and control of communicable diseases and in managing epidemics. Almost 66% of the population relies on the services of GPs. Only 23% seek medical help from government hospitals. It is necessary for all GPs to be involved in the goals of "Health for All." Success will depend upon the provision of primary health care in rural areas by government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and the huge network of GPs.^ieng
Subject(s)
Family Practice/organization & administration , Physician's Role , Primary Health Care/organization & administration , Education, Medical, Continuing , Family Practice/education , Health Services Needs and Demand , Humans , India , Societies, MedicalABSTRACT
At Pravara Medical Trust (PMT), Loni, Ahmednagar, multidiagnostic and treatment camps (MDTC) are organised by PMT every month in remote villages with active participation of villagers, to provide health care to needy and deprived population. From January 1987 to April 1992, 58 camps have been organised and 60,856 patients availed various medical and health services rendered by PMT. Average attendance of patients per camp was 1049, 48.36% being females and 51.64% males. According to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) patients were broadly grouped. A total of 21,603 (35.5%) were referred to the Pravara Rural Hospital and 15,700 (72.67%) of them availed the indoor and outdoor services there.
