According to the Indian Public Health System hierarchy, which of the following is the correct population coverage norm for a Primary Health Centre (PHC)?

Explanation

## PHC Population Coverage Norms **Key Point:** A Primary Health Centre (PHC) is the most basic unit of primary healthcare delivery in rural India and serves as the first contact point between the community and the health system. ### Population Coverage Standards According to the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) guidelines (revised norms): | Healthcare Unit | Plain Areas | Hilly/Tribal/Difficult Areas | | --- | --- | --- | | Sub-centre (SC) | 5,000 | 3,000 | | **PHC** | **20,000** | **10,000** | | CHC | 1,20,000 | 80,000 | **High-Yield:** The PHC serves as the referral centre for 4–6 sub-centres and typically has: - 1 Medical Officer (MBBS) - 1 Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) — female - 1 Male Health Worker (MHW) - Basic diagnostic and treatment facilities **Clinical Pearl:** The lower population coverage in hilly/tribal/difficult areas accounts for geographical challenges and poor accessibility, ensuring equitable healthcare reach. The IPHS revised norms specify **20,000 for plains and 10,000 for hilly/tribal areas** for a PHC — a commonly tested figure in PSM/Community Medicine. **Common Confusion:** Option D (10,000 plains / 5,000 hills) represents an older or incorrect figure sometimes cited in outdated sources. The currently accepted IPHS norm is 20,000 / 10,000 for PHC. Option C (5,000 / 3,000) correctly describes the Sub-Centre (SC) norms, not the PHC. **Mnemonic:** **PHC = 20-10 Rule** — 20,000 in plains, 10,000 in hills/tribal areas. *Reference: Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) Guidelines for Primary Health Centres, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India; Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 26th edition.*