ABSTRACT
The primary healthcare workers employed by the Tulsi Trust have completed 12 years of schooling and have subsequently undergone 6 months of training in basic health care at a multipurpose healthcare worker training school. A house-to-house survey was undertaken using these healthcare workers, and all individuals were screened for symptoms and urine sugar and albumin. Blood pressure was taken for all individuals above the age of 5 years using a mercury sphygmomanometer. Treatment is initiated only by the doctor who visits each mini health center once a fortnight. Hypertension is treated with a combination of hydralazine and reserpine, with hydrochlorothiazide where necessary. The trip to the primary health center for a week’s supply of medicine means the loss of a day’s wage, which the rural family cannot afford. The coverage has been high with 89.61% of the population cooperating for the survey.
