Assessing the performance of primary health centres in Meghalaya: An automatic linear modelling

The spatial distribution and performance of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) play a vital role in shaping health care delivery in Meghalaya, a predominantly rural, hilly state in northeastern India characterized by scattered settlements and challenging terrain. This study investigates disparities in PHC performance across districts, highlighting critical gaps in equitable health care access. Meghalaya's topography, with elevations ranging from 150 to over 1,950 meters, creates significant logistical and infrastructural barriers to service delivery. Using secondary data from government sources (Statistical Handbook, 2023), the study applies Z-score analysis and Automatic Linear Modelling (ALM) via SPSS to examine the relationships between PHC performance (dependent variable) and key health system variables. The ALM approach effectively identifies significant predictors of PHC efficiency and constructs a robust explanatory model. Findings reveal that East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, and West Garo Hills districts rank highest in health care delivery efficiency, while other districts lag, underscoring spatial inequities. The study provides strategic recommendations to strengthen PHC infrastructure, optimise resource allocation, and improve health outcomes for underserved and remote populations in Meghalaya.