Public Health Administration Practice Questions

Q: An ASHA worker is typically assigned to serve a population of approximately what size?

1000. ### Explanation **1. Why Option B is Correct:** The **ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist)** is a key component of the National Health Mission (NHM). According to the guidelines, there should be one ASHA worker for every **1,000 population** in rural areas. In tribal, hilly, or desert areas with sparse populations, this norm can be relaxed to one ASHA per habitation or per 500-600 population. She acts as a bridge between the community and the public health system, primarily focusing on maternal and child health. **2. Why Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Option A (3000):** This is the population norm for a **Sub-Centre** in hilly, tribal, or difficult areas. In plain areas, a Sub-Centre serves 5,000 people. * **Option C (5000):** This is the population norm for a **Sub-Centre** in plain areas. It is also the population served by one **Multi-Purpose Worker (MPW)** or Health Worker (Male/Female). * **Option D (400):** This is the population norm for an **Anganwadi Worker (AWW)** under the ICDS scheme in rural/urban areas (range: 400–800). **3. High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Selection:** ASHA must be a woman, resident of the village, married/widowed/divorced, and preferably aged **25–45 years**. * **Education:** She should be literate with formal education up to **Class 10** (relaxed only if no suitable candidate is available). * **Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committee (VHSNC):** ASHA acts as the **Member Secretary** of this committee. * **Drug Kit:** She carries a kit containing ORS, Iron Folic Acid (IFA) tablets, chloroquine, disposable delivery kits (DDK), and oral contraceptive pills. * **Remuneration:** She is a volunteer and receives **performance-based incentives** (not a fixed salary).

Q: What is not a function of a female health worker posted at the sub-center level?

Malaria surveillance. In the Indian public health system, the **Female Health Worker (FHW)**, also known as the **Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM)**, is the key frontline worker at the Sub-center level. ### Why "Malaria Surveillance" is the Correct Answer: Under the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), active and passive surveillance for Malaria (including making blood smears and RDTs) is primarily the responsibility of the **Male Health Worker (MPW-M)**. While the ANM provides supportive care, the core field duty of surveillance and vector control is assigned to the male counterpart to ensure better field coverage and house-to-house visits. ### Analysis of Incorrect Options: * **Condom Distribution:** This is a core function of the ANM under the Family Planning program. She acts as a depot holder for contraceptives (condoms, OCPs) and provides counseling on spacing methods. * **Urine Examination:** At the Sub-center, the ANM is trained to perform basic point-of-care tests, specifically testing urine for **albumin and sugar**, which is critical for screening high-risk pregnancies (Preeclampsia and Gestational Diabetes). * **Birth and Death Record Keeping:** The ANM is responsible for the maintenance of the **Village Health Register**. She records all vital events (births and deaths) occurring in her catchment area and reports them to the Primary Health Centre (PHC). ### High-Yield Facts for NEET-PG: * **Population Norms:** One Sub-center covers 5,000 population (Plain area) or 3,000 (Hilly/Tribal area). * **Staffing:** A standard Sub-center has 1 FHW (ANM), 1 MHW (MPW-M), and 1 Safai Karamchari. * **Key Task:** The ANM’s primary focus is **Maternal and Child Health (MCH)**, including Immunization and Antenatal Care (ANC). * **Exam Tip:** If a question asks about "Active Surveillance" for Malaria at the doorstep, always look for **MPW-M** or **ASHA** as the primary answer.

Q: According to the World Health Organization (WHO) definition of health, which of the following components is not explicitly included but is often considered essential?

Spiritual well-being. ### Explanation **1. Why the Correct Answer is Right:** The World Health Organization (WHO) defined health in its **1948 Constitution** as: *"A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."* While **Spiritual well-being** is frequently discussed in public health circles and was proposed as an amendment during the 1998 World Health Assembly, it has **never been officially incorporated** into the formal WHO definition. Therefore, while it is considered an essential dimension of holistic health, it remains the "missing" component in the classic tripartite definition. **2. Why the Incorrect Options are Wrong:** * **A, B, and D (Physical, Social, and Mental well-being):** these are the three pillars explicitly mentioned in the 1948 WHO definition. * **Physical:** Relates to the perfect functioning of the body (biological integrity). * **Mental:** A state of balance between the individual and the surrounding world. * **Social:** The quantity and quality of an individual's interpersonal ties and involvement with the community. **3. High-Yield Facts for NEET-PG:** * **The 1948 Definition:** It has remained unchanged since 1948, emphasizing that health is a positive concept, not just a negative one (absence of disease). * **Operationalization:** The WHO definition is often criticized for being "too idealistic" and "not measurable," leading to the development of operational indicators like **HALE** (Health-Adjusted Life Expectancy) and **QALY** (Quality-Adjusted Life Year). * **Newer Dimensions:** Other dimensions often discussed but not in the definition include Vocational and Emotional well-being. * **Key Quote:** "Health is a fundamental human right" is a core tenet of the WHO and the Alma-Ata Declaration (1978).

Q: Sample registration system is done once in which frequency?

6 months. The **Sample Registration System (SRS)** is a large-scale demographic survey in India used to provide reliable annual estimates of birth rate, death rate, and other fertility/mortality indicators at the state and national levels. ### **Explanation of the Correct Answer** The SRS follows a **Dual Record System** to ensure maximum accuracy. The core mechanism involves: 1. **Continuous Enumeration:** A resident part-time enumerator (usually a teacher or Anganwadi worker) records births and deaths as they occur in a sampled unit. 2. **Retrospective Half-yearly Survey:** Every **6 months**, a full-time supervisor independently visits the same households to record events that occurred during the preceding six-month period. The data from both sources are matched, and discrepancies are verified in the field. Therefore, the official frequency of the SRS supervisory check is **6 months**. ### **Explanation of Incorrect Options** * **B (1 year):** While the SRS publishes "Annual Reports," the actual field verification and data collection cycle occur twice a year. * **C (2 years):** There are no major national health surveys in India conducted on a biennial basis. * **D (5 years):** This is the frequency for the **National Family Health Survey (NFHS)** and the **Census** (which is decennial/10 years). ### **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG** * **Gold Standard:** SRS is considered the most reliable source of vital statistics (IMR, MMR, CBR) in India, superior to the Civil Registration System (CRS) which suffers from under-reporting. * **Initiation:** SRS was started on a pilot basis in 1964-65 and became fully operational in **1969-70**. * **Authority:** It is conducted by the **Office of the Registrar General of India (RGI)**, Ministry of Home Affairs. * **Key Indicator:** SRS is the primary source for calculating the **Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)** in India.

Q: How many beds are typically allocated in a Primary Health Centre (PHC) for indoor patients?

6. **Explanation:** In the Indian healthcare delivery system, the **Primary Health Centre (PHC)** serves as the first contact point between the village community and a Medical Officer. According to the **Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS)**, a PHC is designed to provide integrated curative and preventive healthcare to a population of 20,000 (hilly/tribal areas) to 30,000 (plain areas). **Why Option C is Correct:** The standard bed strength for a PHC is **6 beds**. These beds are intended for "indoor" patients requiring short-term observation, stabilization, or basic treatment for common ailments and uncomplicated deliveries. This capacity ensures that the facility can handle basic emergencies before referring patients to a Community Health Centre (CHC). **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Options A (2) and B (3):** These numbers are too low for the functional requirements of a PHC, which must accommodate at least a few labor cases and general observations simultaneously. * **Option D (9):** This exceeds the standard staffing and infrastructure capacity of a typical PHC. However, it is important to note that under the "Time to Care" norms, some upgraded PHCs may have more, but the standard exam answer remains 6. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Sub-Centre:** No indoor beds (usually). * **PHC:** 6 beds (1 Medical Officer). * **CHC:** 30 beds (4 Specialists: Surgeon, Physician, Gynecologist, Pediatrician). * **District Hospital:** Varies, but typically 100 to 500+ beds. * **Staffing at PHC:** Total 13 staff members (Type A) or 15 (Type B). * **Type A vs. Type B PHC:** Type A handles 20 deliveries/month.

Q: Which of the following is seen in a block?

Panchayat samiti. In India, the **Panchayati Raj system** is a three-tier structure of local self-government designed to ensure community participation in health and development. This structure is a high-yield topic for NEET-PG under Public Health Administration. ### 1. Why Panchayat Samiti is Correct The **Panchayat Samiti** is the intermediate tier of the Panchayati Raj system. It operates at the **Block level** (covering roughly 100 villages and a population of 80,000 to 1,20,000). It serves as the crucial link between the Gram Panchayat (Village level) and the Zila Parishad (District level). The Block Development Officer (BDO) serves as the executive officer of this body. ### 2. Analysis of Incorrect Options * **Gram Sabha (Option C):** This is the basic unit of the system at the **Village level**. it consists of all adult residents registered in the local electoral rolls. It is the "general body" that meets at least twice a year. * **Panchayat Sabha & Gram Samiti (Options B & D):** These are distractors. While "Gram Panchayat" is the executive organ at the village level, "Panchayat Sabha" and "Gram Samiti" are not standard nomenclatures used in the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee recommendations. ### 3. High-Yield Facts for NEET-PG * **Three-Tier Structure:** 1. **Village Level:** Gram Panchayat (Executive body) and Gram Sabha (Legislative body). 2. **Block Level:** Panchayat Samiti. 3. **District Level:** Zila Parishad (The apex body). * **Health Linkage:** The **Community Health Centre (CHC)** is typically the health unit located at the Block level, corresponding with the Panchayat Samiti's jurisdiction. * **Nyaya Panchayat:** These are "judicial" panchayats established for a cluster of 3–5 village panchayats to settle minor disputes.

Q: A trained dai caters for a population of?

2000. In Community Medicine, the **Trained Dai (Traditional Birth Attendant)** program was initiated under the Rural Health Scheme (1977) to improve maternal and child health at the grassroots level. ### **Explanation of the Correct Answer** * **Option B (2000):** According to the guidelines of the Government of India, one Trained Dai is expected to cater to a population of **2000**. The training lasts for 30 working days, focusing on the "5 Cleans" (Clean hands, surface, blade, cord tie, and cord stump) to prevent neonatal tetanus and puerperal sepsis. ### **Analysis of Incorrect Options** * **Option A (1000):** This is the population norm for an **ASHA** (Accredited Social Health Activist), a **Village Health Guide**, and an **Anganwadi Worker (AWW)**. * **Option C (3000):** This is the population norm for a **Sub-center in hilly, tribal, or difficult areas**. * **Option D (4000):** There is no standard health functionary or facility specifically assigned to a population of 4000 in the Indian public health hierarchy. ### **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG** * **ASHA / Village Health Guide / Anganwadi Worker:** 1 per 1000 population. * **Health Worker (Female/Male) at Sub-center:** 1 per 5000 (plain areas) or 3000 (hilly/tribal areas). * **Health Assistant (Male/Female) at PHC:** 1 per 30,000 (plain) or 20,000 (hilly/tribal). * **Trained Dai Training:** Conducted at the PHC/Sub-center for 2 days a week over 15 weeks (total 30 days). * **Primary Goal:** To convert "untrained" traditional birth attendants into "trained" ones to ensure safe delivery practices where institutional delivery is not immediately accessible.

Q: Integration of health services was first proposed by which committee?

Jungallwalla committee. The concept of **Integration of Health Services** refers to the unification of curative and preventive services under a single administrative hierarchy to eliminate fragmentation. **Why the Correct Answer is Right:** The **Jungallwalla Committee (1967)**, also known as the "Committee on Integration of Health Services," was specifically constituted to examine the problems of integrated health services. It defined integration as a "common philosophy" and recommended: * Unified cadre (Common seniority) * Equal pay for equal work * Special pay for specialized work * Abolition of private practice for government doctors **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Bhore Committee (1946):** Known as the "Health Survey and Development Committee." It laid the foundation for the 3-tier health system and the concept of a "Social Physician," but it did not formally propose the administrative integration of services. * **Mudaliar Committee (1962):** Known as the "Health Survey and Planning Committee." It recommended strengthening District Hospitals and suggested that the quality of care should be improved before further expansion, but it was not the primary proposer of integration. * **Srivastava Committee (1975):** Known as the "Group on Medical Education and Support Manpower." It is famous for recommending the **ROM (Reorientation of Medical Education)** scheme and the creation of **Village Health Guides**. **High-Yield NEET-PG Pearls:** * **Chadah Committee (1963):** Recommended the "Basic Health Worker" (BHW) for Malaria vigilance. * **Kartar Singh Committee (1973):** Introduced the concept of **MPW (Multi-Purpose Worker)** and converted ANMs into Female Health Workers. * **Shrivastav Committee:** Proposed the **Referral Services Complex**. * **Mukherjee Committee (1965):** Recommended separate staff for Family Planning programs.

Q: What is the optimum unit of preventive, curative, and promotive health care?

Comprehensiveness. ### **Explanation** The concept of **Comprehensiveness** is a fundamental principle of Primary Health Care (PHC). It refers to the provision of a full range of health services—**preventive, curative, and promotive**—under one roof or through a single integrated system. **1. Why "Comprehensiveness" is Correct:** In public health administration, a health system is considered "comprehensive" when it does not merely treat diseases (curative) but also focuses on preventing them (e.g., immunization) and promoting healthy lifestyles (e.g., nutritional counseling). This holistic approach ensures that all health needs of the community are met throughout the life cycle, making it the "optimum unit" of care delivery. **2. Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Appropriateness:** This refers to whether the technology or service provided is scientifically sound and socially acceptable to the community. It focuses on the "suitability" of the intervention rather than the breadth of services. * **Availability:** This simply means that health services are physically present and reachable by the population. It does not guarantee that the services provided are holistic or integrated. * **Adequacy:** This refers to the quantity and quality of resources (manpower, equipment, funds) being sufficient to meet the needs of the community. **3. NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **The 5 A’s of Primary Health Care:** Remember the key principles: **A**ccessibility, **A**vailability, **A**ffordability, **A**cceptability, and **A**dequacy. * **Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC):** Under the **Ayushman Bharat** scheme, Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) are designed to deliver CPHC, expanding the package from 7 basic services to 12 essential health services. * **Alma-Ata Declaration (1978):** This was the landmark global event that identified Primary Health Care as the key to attaining "Health for All."

Question 1

An ASHA worker is typically assigned to serve a population of approximately what size?

Accepted Answer

1000

Answer

3000

Answer

5000

Answer

400

Question 2

What is not a function of a female health worker posted at the sub-center level?

Accepted Answer

Malaria surveillance

Answer

Condom distribution

Answer

Conduct urine examination

Answer

Birth and death record keeping

Question 3

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) definition of health, which of the following components is not explicitly included but is often considered essential?

Accepted Answer

Spiritual well-being

Answer

Physical well-being

Answer

Social well-being

Answer

Mental well-being

Question 4

Sample registration system is done once in which frequency?

Accepted Answer

6 months

Answer

1 year

Answer

2 years

Answer

5 years

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a principle of primary health care?

Accepted Answer

Decentralised approach

Answer

Intersectoral coordination

Answer

Community participation

Answer

Appropriate technology

Question 6

How many beds are typically allocated in a Primary Health Centre (PHC) for indoor patients?

Accepted Answer

6

Answer

2

Answer

3

Answer

9

Question 7

Which of the following is seen in a block?

Accepted Answer

Panchayat samiti

Answer

Panchayat sabha

Answer

Gram sabha

Answer

Gram samiti

Question 8

A trained dai caters for a population of?

Accepted Answer

2000

Answer

1000

Answer

3000

Answer

4000

Question 9

Integration of health services was first proposed by which committee?

Accepted Answer

Jungallwalla committee

Answer

Bhore committee

Answer

Mudaliar committee

Answer

Srivastava committee

Question 10

What is the optimum unit of preventive, curative, and promotive health care?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensiveness

Answer

Appropriateness

Answer

Availability

Answer

Adequacy

Public Health Administration — MCQs

Public Health Administration — MCQs

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