Setting up and improving a community health clinic

This chapter explores how to set up and develop community health clinics which not only treat illness but become a focus for health promotion and community involvement. It encourages programmes to use or strengthen existing primary health centres or health posts and to work in collaboration with the government. It discusses types of clinic, who might use the clinic, and clinic capacity and location. It works through practical aspects such as when the clinic should start, centre design, setting up clinic stations, and keeping and transferring records. It describes systems of payment, affordability, and the welcome and affirmation of those attending. It describes referral systems and preparing for serious illness and accidents. It mentions the value of mobile clinics as an integral part of a communitybased system.