Year: 2024 | Month: October | Volume: 14 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 149-162
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20241015
Transforming Primary Health Care in Delhi: A Policy Review of the Mohalla Clinic Model
Ishtiyaque Ahmed
Research Scholar, Faculty of Management Studies, University of Delhi
ABSTRACT
Initiated by the Delhi government in 2015, Mohalla Clinics aim to deliver essential primary healthcare services within local neighbourhoods, particularly in underserved and remote areas with limited access to public health facilities. This study reviews the impact of Mohalla Clinics on strengthening primary healthcare and advancing universal health coverage (UHC) in Delhi. It highlights the clinics' role in addressing urban healthcare disparities, improving primary care access, and reducing out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE). Demographic analysis shows that a significant proportion of clinic users are women, the elderly, and low-income individuals with primary-level education. High satisfaction rates are reported for service quality, doctor-patient interactions, and the likelihood of repeat visits. The majority of patients benefit from free consultations, medications, and diagnostic tests, reflecting the clinics’ emphasis on affordability and accessibility. The study advocates for integration with existing public health initiatives, such as Urban Primary Health Centers (U-PHCs) under the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM), to further enhance healthcare delivery. Mohalla Clinics are especially beneficial to pregnant and breastfeeding women, positioning them as key players in advancing health reforms and achieving UHC. The findings underscore the need for sustained political support to expand these clinics and strengthen their role in delivering accessible and affordable healthcare to underserved populations in Delhi, significantly contributing to UHC goals in India.
Key words: Primary health care, Mohalla clinic, Universal health coverage, Accessibility, Affordable health care, Quality health services.