## Structural Distinction: PHC vs CHC ### Key Difference **Key Point:** The operating theatre and blood bank are hallmark infrastructure features that distinguish a CHC from a PHC. These enable CHCs to provide secondary-level care including minor and emergency surgical interventions. ### Comparative Table | Feature | PHC | CHC | | --- | --- | --- | | **Population coverage** | 3,000–10,000 (hilly/tribal); 5,000–10,000 (plain) | 80,000–120,000 | | **Operating theatre** | Absent | Present | | **Blood bank** | Absent | Present | | **Inpatient beds** | None | 30–50 beds | | **Staffing** | ANM, male health worker, ASHA | Doctor, paramedics, nurses | | **Care level** | Primary (preventive, promotive, basic curative) | Secondary (minor surgery, emergency care) | ### Why This Matters **High-Yield:** The presence of an operating theatre and blood bank reflects the CHC's role as a **first referral unit (FRU)** — capable of managing obstetric and surgical emergencies that cannot be handled at the PHC level. This is a consistent differentiator across all Indian public health guidelines. **Clinical Pearl:** A PHC cannot perform caesarean sections or manage acute surgical abdomen; a CHC must be equipped to do so. This infrastructure gap is why PHCs refer complicated cases to CHCs. ### Mnemonic **CHC = Can Handle Complications** — Operating theatre and blood bank enable this. [cite:Park 26e Ch 3]
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