ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the geographical location, physical setting, demographic characteristics, socio-economic conditions, and also the health care perception, behaviour, and utilisation. The bus-stop is close to the police station and the Block Primary Health Centre (BPHC) on the main road, which is also the market place of the town. The village also has various administrative and welfare institutions for the surrounding villages besides the Primary Health Care Centre and the Veterinary Aid Centre. Most of the villagers complained that they had faced some problem or the other in seeking treatment from the health centre. A majority of the women surveyed are aware of the services provided by the BPHC in their Block and village. The chapter outlines the general health situation of the entire country and the state of West Bengal in comparison to the other major states of India.
