ANANTAPUR: The stage has been set for the formal handing over of the public health centre (PHC) at Gudibanda in the district to Swami Vivekananda Integrated Rural Health Centre of Pavagada in Karanataka "on experimental basis" on February 5.

Though formalities of the adoption will be completed on February 5, the operations of the PHC will go practically into the hands of the NGO from April first, next.

Government Order

Irrespective of opposition by the employees' unions of the Health Department, the State Government issued G.O. No. 1579 on December 12, 2006 formalising the transfer.

Located in a remote area, the PHC has the problem of doctors and medical staff alike from the very beginning. It has a sanctioned strength of two doctors and 35 medical staff but the unwillingness of the doctors and staff to work in the remote area has always kept the health services at a bay.

Best PHC

In spite of paucity of funds, medicines, doctors and other staff, the PHC has been among the best PHCs in the district over the years by virtue of achieving targets in immunisation and family planning operations. "The PHC is being handed over as per the wishes of the local people for improving the reach of health services in the area," Minister for Agriculture and Civil Supplies N. Raghuveera Reddy said.

`Not acceptable'

"Satya Saibaba is running a super specialty hospital at Puttaparthi and other spiritual leaders can emulate in their own capacities. But, the transfer of Government assets to an NGO are not acceptable", State secretary of CPI(M) B.V. Raghavulu said during his recent visit here.

"What if other legislators take Mr. Raghuveera Reddy as inspiration and hand over the PHCs in their constituencies to NGOs in the name of providing better health services", Dr. M. Geyanand of Jana Vignana Vedika and Jana Swasthya Abhiyan sought to know.

Investment plan

The NGO is learnt to be planning to invest Rs. 1.5 crores on improving the facilities in the PHC.

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