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| COMMUNITY CARE CENTRE |
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Opportunistic infections cause an increased burden on the health system and the family. At the macro level, these lead to filling up of essential bed capacity in district and teaching hospitals and, at the micro level, increasing household expenditure and impoverishment of the family. Making treatment for OIs available locally, at lower cost with effective referral system will reduce the burden on health system. Some of the common OIs (Pneumocystis carini pneumonia and toxoplasmosis) have proven preventive therapies that can be provided at low cost to PLHA to prevent their occurance.
The majority of common opportunistic infections like skin infections, candidiasis, diarrhea, respiratory tract infections including TB can be treated at the community level at PHC, CHC and Community Care Centres. Making treatment for OIs available locally will improve the accessibility and continuity of this care and enhance clinical management by enabling local health care providers to attend patients through the course of their disease.
Serious infections including severe pneumonia and central nervous system infections would be identified and referred to district hospitals or medical colleges for management. Provision of essential laboratory tests are required based on disease conditions and their treatment protocol at different levels of facilities. Provision of OI diagnostic and treatment services relies upon strong logistic management systems to ensure proper supply of essential drugs and consumables. |
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A NGO called Shanthi bhavan is running a community care centre in Pondicherry. |
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Shanthi Bhavan,
Mettu Street,
Kalapet,
Puducherry
Phone Number: 0413-2655630 |
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