Importance of Primary Healthcare in Delhi in the Times of COVID-19

Abstract

Mohalla clinics have not been engaged so far in dealing with the COVID-19 crisis, though they have emerged as an important segment of the primary healthcare infrastructure and services in Delhi. In this article, we argue that these clinics could have played a significant role in tackling the virus by carrying out COVID testing and creating awareness among the public about the virus. The states such as Kerala and Himachal Pradesh, which have successfully mitigated the corona crisis, in comparison, have effectively employed their well-developed primary healthcare system during the pandemic. Drawing from these experiences, we conclude with policy suggestions to make the mohalla clinics an integral part of the strategy to fight this public health crisis in the national capital.

Mohalla (Or Community/ Neighborhood) Clinics to Reinforce Primary Healthcare in Delhi, India: A Systematic Review Based on Prisma 2020 Guidelines

“…In July 2015, government of Delhi started an initiative to deliver equitable and affordable primary care services by launching community or neighborhood clinics called "Mohalla clinics" in Delhi, India. (1,2) The success of mobile medical units (MMUs) triggered the idea of Mohalla clinics (MCs). (14) The traditional method of MMUs is based on carrying the health workforce and necessary supplies in a vehicle for delivering health services to underserved and unauthorised areas.…”