Navigating Healthcare Access in Primary Health Centers (PHCs): A Study of Rural Women in Belgaum District, Karnataka State

This study examines the accessibility and utilization of healthcare services by rural women in the Belgaum District of Karnataka, India, focusing on Primary Health Centers (PHCs). Given that a significant portion of Karnataka's population resides in rural areas, the study highlights the critical role of PHCs in providing essential healthcare services. The research objectives include understanding major health policies in Karnataka, evaluating women's healthcare facilities in PHCs, and analyzing the healthcare-seeking behaviour of women in the district. The study utilizes secondary data from Communicable Diseases Reports over five years (2018-2022) and employs statistical tools such as tabulation, averages, percentages, and bar diagrams. Key findings reveal that more than 50% of the patients treated in PHCs are women, with a notable increase in new outpatient department (OPD) cases, indicating growing awareness of available healthcare services. However, there was a significant reduction in inpatient department (IPD) cases during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting the impact of the pandemic on healthcare-seeking behaviour. The study concludes that rural women predominantly seek healthcare services in PHCs, with a preference for OPD services over IPD during the pandemic. The findings underscore the importance of PHCs in rural healthcare delivery and the need for continued support and enhancement of these facilities to improve women's health outcomes in rural Karnataka.