Public Health Administration Practice Questions

Q: In implementation of a health programme, best thing to do is -

Discussion with doctors in PHC and implement accordingly. ***Discussion with doctors in PHC and implement accordingly*** - **Primary Healthcare (PHC) doctors** possess critical hands-on knowledge of common health issues, local demographics, and daily health challenges faced by the community. - Their involvement ensures the program is **practically viable** and tailored to the specific needs and resources available at the grassroots level for effective implementation. *Discussion with leaders in community and implement accordingly* - While engaging community leaders is important for acceptance and dissemination, they may lack the **medical expertise** required to design effective and clinically sound health interventions. - Relying solely on leaders might lead to programs that are **socially acceptable but not medically optimal** or comprehensive. *Discussion with people in community and decide according to it* - Involving the community is crucial for program adherence and understanding local needs, but **laypersons** may not have the necessary medical knowledge to make informed decisions about complex health interventions. - Their input is valuable for relevance and acceptance, but medical and public health expertise is required for program design and implementation to ensure **efficacy and safety**. *Discussion and decision taken by the health ministry regarding implementation* - The health ministry sets policies and provides overall strategic direction, but they often lack direct, **on-the-ground understanding** of specific local health issues and implementation challenges. - A top-down approach without involving local healthcare providers can lead to programs that are **not feasible** or effective in the local context.

Q: Objectives of National Mental Health programme are all except -

Provide free antipsychotic drugs to all. ***Provide free antipsychotic drugs to all*** - While ensuring access to essential medicines is important, the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) does not explicitly guarantee **free antipsychotic drugs to all** individuals, as the scope of provision can depend on various factors like specific conditions, and availability of resources. - The primary objectives are broader and focus on overall mental health care delivery and promotion, rather than a universal provision of specific medications, especially when the need for such drugs may not apply to "all" individuals in the population. *Provide accessibility of mental health care* - A core objective of the NMHP is to make **mental health care accessible** to all individuals, particularly in rural and underserved areas. - This involves establishing services at primary, secondary, and tertiary care levels. *Promote community participation* - The NMHP aims to foster **community involvement** in mental health awareness, destigmatization, and support for individuals with mental illness. - This includes engaging communities in prevention, promotion, and rehabilitation efforts. *Promote application of mental health knowledge* - A key goal is to enhance the **understanding and application of mental health knowledge** among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the general public. - This objective supports evidence-based practices and informed decision-making in mental health care.

Q: Under NPCB, screening of school children is first done by -

School teachers. ***School teachers*** - Under the **National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB)**, screening of school children follows a **three-tier approach**. - **School teachers** are trained to conduct the **first level/initial screening** using simple vision tests like **Snellen charts**. - They identify children with potential vision problems and refer them for further detailed assessment. - This approach maximizes coverage as teachers have regular contact with children and can screen large numbers efficiently. - The NPCB specifically includes **teacher training modules** for basic vision screening as part of the School Eye Screening Programme. *Ophthalmologic assistant* - Ophthalmic assistants/paramedical workers conduct the **second level screening** - the detailed assessment of children referred by teachers. - They perform comprehensive vision testing and identify specific refractive errors and eye conditions. - They are not the first point of contact in school screening due to resource limitations and the scale of screening required. *Medical officer* - Medical officers and ophthalmologists are involved in the **third tier** - providing diagnosis, treatment, and management of identified cases. - They handle complex cases, prescribe spectacles, and provide surgical interventions when needed. - They also supervise the overall program but do not conduct initial mass screening. *Village health guide* - Village health guides work primarily in community settings for general health promotion and basic healthcare. - While they contribute to community health awareness, they are not specifically involved in the structured school eye screening program under NPCB.

Q: NPCDCS covers all except:

Depression. ***Depression*** - The **National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS)** specifically focuses on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases such as **cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (including hypertension and myocardial infarction), and stroke**. - While depression is a significant non-communicable disease, it is not explicitly covered under the primary scope of the NPCDCS, which has a distinct focus on the four mentioned disease groups. *Diabetes* - **Diabetes** is one of the foundational non-communicable diseases directly addressed by the NPCDCS, with specific initiatives for its prevention, early detection, and management. - The program aims to reduce the burden of diabetes through various health promotion and healthcare delivery strategies. *Hypertension* - **Hypertension** is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and stroke, and its control is a key component of the NPCDCS. - The program includes screening, diagnosis, and management protocols for hypertension as part of its strategy to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. *Stroke* - **Stroke** is explicitly part of the NPCDCS mandate, as indicated by its inclusion in the program's full name. - The program addresses stroke through prevention initiatives, early recognition campaigns, and strengthening healthcare services for acute and rehabilitation care.

Q: Which of the following is a set point for plans but is something that cannot be quantified or measured?

Mission. ***Mission*** - A **mission statement** defines an organization's fundamental purpose and values, guiding its actions and decisions. - It describes **why an organization exists** and what it aims to achieve, but it is typically a broad, qualitative statement that cannot be directly measured. *Target* - A **target** is a specific, measurable result that an organization aims to achieve within a defined timeframe. - Targets are quantifiable and used to track progress toward objectives and goals. *Objective* - An **objective** is a specific aim or desired outcome that an individual or organization plans to achieve. - Objectives are typically quantifiable, time-bound, and measurable, providing clear criteria for success. *Goal* - A **goal** is a desired result or outcome that a person or system envisions, plans, and commits to achieve. - While generally broader than objectives, goals are still typically **quantifiable** or at least verifiable, meaning their attainment can be assessed.

Q: One PHC should be present in hilly areas for every:

20,000 people. ***20,000 people*** - In **hilly, tribal, and difficult-to-reach areas**, the norm for establishing a Primary Health Centre (PHC) is one for every **20,000 people**. - This adjusted population norm accounts for the geographical challenges and scattered populations, ensuring better access to basic healthcare services. *10,000 people* - This is not a standard population norm for any health facility under the Indian public health system. - For reference, a **Sub-Centre (SC)** in hilly/tribal/difficult areas serves **5,000 people**, while in plain areas it serves **3,000 people** (as per IPHS norms). *30,000 people* - This population norm applies to a PHC in **plain areas**. - Plain areas have higher population density and easier accessibility, allowing a single PHC to cover a larger population. *50,000 people* - This is not a standard population norm in current IPHS guidelines. - A **Community Health Centre (CHC)** typically serves **120,000 people** in plain areas (acting as a referral center for 4 PHCs) and **80,000 people** in hilly/tribal areas.

Q: The eye condition for which the World bank assistance was provided to the National Programme for Control of Blindness:

Cataract. ***Cataract*** - The **National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB)**, with World Bank assistance, has focused heavily on **cataract surgeries** due to cataract being the leading cause of preventable blindness in India. - The program's aim was to provide accessible and affordable surgical interventions to clear the clouded lens, thereby restoring vision. *Vitamin A deficiency* - While vitamin A deficiency can lead to severe eye conditions like **xerophthalmia** and blindness, it's primarily addressed through nutritional programs and supplementary interventions, not the main focus of World Bank-assisted surgical initiatives within the NPCB. - Its prevention is mainly based on dietary changes and distribution of **vitamin A supplements**, especially in children. *Trachoma* - Trachoma is a bacterial eye infection that can cause blindness, particularly prevalent in regions with poor hygiene. - Although it's part of global blindness prevention efforts, the World Bank's assistance to the NPCB primarily targeted conditions requiring surgical intervention on a large scale, with **trachoma control** often involving antibiotic treatment and hygiene improvement rather than extensive surgical campaigns. *Onchocerciasis* - Onchocerciasis, or **river blindness**, is a parasitic disease primarily prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. - It is not a major cause of blindness in India, thus not a primary focus of the **National Programme for Control of Blindness** or its World Bank-supported initiatives.

Q: The Village Health Guide Scheme (as originally implemented in the 1970s-80s) was not present in -

JK. ***JK*** - The **Village Health Guide Scheme** (VHGS), launched in 1977, aimed to provide primary healthcare services in rural areas. - While implemented across most states, **Jammu and Kashmir** (JK) was one of the few states that did **not adopt** the scheme. *Tamil Nadu* - **Tamil Nadu** was one of the states where the Village Health Guide Scheme was effectively implemented. - The scheme aimed to address the healthcare needs of rural populations in states like Tamil Nadu. *Karnataka* - **Karnataka** also implemented the Village Health Guide Scheme as part of the national health initiatives. - This scheme was crucial in extending basic health services to remote villages within Karnataka. *All of the above* - This option is incorrect because the Village Health Guide Scheme **was implemented** in many states, including Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. - It was specifically **not implemented in JK**, making 'JK' the correct answer rather than 'All of the above'.

Q: Social physician concept was mooted by -

Bhore committee. ***Bhore committee*** - The **Bhore Committee**, formed in 1943, recommended a comprehensive re-evaluation of medical education and public health services in India. - This committee introduced the concept of the "social physician," emphasizing a doctor's role extending beyond clinical care to include **preventive, promotive, and rehabilitative aspects** of health within the community. *Kaar Singh committee* - The **Kartar Singh Committee (1973)** focused on the integration of various health workers and the establishment of a **multi-purpose health worker scheme**. - Its recommendations were primarily administrative and structural, rather than conceptualizing the role of the physician. *Chadah committee* - The **Chadha Committee (1963)** focused on the **National Malaria Eradication Programme (NMEP)** and developing a maintenance phase following the eradication effort. - This committee's mandate was specific to a disease control program and did not address the broader philosophy of medical practice. *Shrivastava committee* - The **Shrivastava Committee (1975)** reviewed medical education and suggested measures for making it more relevant to national health needs, including the **Medical and Health Education Commission**. - While it influenced medical education reforms, it did not originate the concept of the "social physician" as initially defined by earlier committees.

Question 1

In implementation of a health programme, best thing to do is -

Accepted Answer

Discussion with doctors in PHC and implement accordingly

Answer

Discussion with leaders in community and implement accordingly

Answer

Discussion with people in community and decide according to it

Answer

Discussion and decision taken by the health ministry regarding implementation

Question 2

All of the following are the targets for National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB), EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

100% coverage of vitamin A prophylaxis doses from 9 months to 3 years of age

Answer

Development of 50 pediatric ophthalmic units

Answer

Increase cataract surgery rate to 450 operations per lakh population

Answer

Intraocular lens implantation in more than 80 percent cataract surgery cases

Question 3

Objectives of National Mental Health programme are all except -

Accepted Answer

Provide free antipsychotic drugs to all

Answer

Promote application of mental health knowledge

Answer

Promote community participation

Answer

Provide accessibility of mental health care

Question 4

Under NPCB, screening of school children is first done by -

Accepted Answer

School teachers

Answer

Ophthalmologic assistant

Answer

Medical officer

Answer

Village health guide

Question 5

NPCDCS covers all except:

Accepted Answer

Depression

Answer

Diabetes

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Stroke

Question 6

Which of the following is a set point for plans but is something that cannot be quantified or measured?

Accepted Answer

Mission

Answer

Target

Answer

Objective

Answer

Goal

Question 7

One PHC should be present in hilly areas for every:

Accepted Answer

20,000 people

Answer

10,000 people

Answer

30,000 people

Answer

50,000 people

Question 8

The eye condition for which the World bank assistance was provided to the National Programme for Control of Blindness:

Accepted Answer

Cataract

Answer

Vitamin A deficiency

Answer

Trachoma

Answer

Onchocerciasis

Question 9

The Village Health Guide Scheme (as originally implemented in the 1970s-80s) was not present in -

Accepted Answer

JK

Answer

Tamil Nadu

Answer

Karnataka

Answer

All of the above

Question 10

Social physician concept was mooted by -

Accepted Answer

Bhore committee

Answer

Chadha committee

Answer

Shrivastava committee

Answer

Kartar Singh committee

Public Health Administration — MCQs

Public Health Administration — MCQs

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