Bengaluru: Slum dwellers prefer pharmacists over Primary Healthcare Centres

Azim Premji Foundation conducted a study in over 21 slum dwellings across different localities in the city such as Koramangala, Hebbal, Peenya, Bellandur, Kengeri and Nagarbhavi.

Focused group discussions were conducted among the residents of the slum to obtain a dynamic understanding of their experience across different centres of medical treatment. 258 members participated in this.

Although Primary Healthcare Centres were found to be used by the residents for vaccinations and availing the Thayi Bhagya scheme, it was found that it was not a preferred option with regard to health check ups and to deal with infections. 

There were various factors contributing to this. Although there was an acceptance that in terms of affordability and access, the Primary Health Centres ranked well, there were concerns with respect to standard of medical treatment provided, conduct of the medical staff with the patients and timings of these centres. 

This makes the slum dwellers approach pharmacists in case of any illness and only upon persistence of the symptoms over 3 days do they consider other options. 

Dripta Bal, the lead researcher said, “Overall, the study showed that staff behaviour is as important a factor as affordability in slum residents’ decision to opt for a health facility. The next important factors were treatment quality and timings.” as per a report in the Deccan Herald.