## Population Norms for PHC in India **Key Point:** The Government of India has established standardized population norms for PHC establishment to ensure equitable distribution of primary healthcare services across the country. ### PHC Population Norms by Terrain | Terrain Type | Population Norm per PHC | | --- | --- | | Plain areas | 1 PHC per 5,000 population | | Hilly/Tribal/Difficult areas | 1 PHC per 3,000 population | | Urban areas | Based on urban health scheme norms | **High-Yield:** The 5,000 norm for plain terrain is the baseline standard cited in all major PSM textbooks and is frequently tested in NEET PG. This norm was established to ensure that no population in plain areas is more than 5 km away from a PHC. **Clinical Pearl:** The reduced norm (1 per 3,000) for hilly and tribal areas reflects the additional challenges of terrain, accessibility, and sparse population distribution in these regions. ### Functions of PHC - Maternal and child health services - Family planning and contraceptive services - Immunization programs - Treatment of minor ailments and injuries - Health education and disease surveillance [cite:Park 26e Ch 3]
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