Sub-Centre (HWC) Classification: Type A vs. Type B
Under the Ayushman Bharat – Health & Wellness Centre (HWC) initiative, Sub-Centres are categorized based on their ability to provide delivery services.
| Feature | Type A | Type B |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery Services | No delivery services. | Provides delivery services. |
| Infrastructure | Basic outpatient care. | Equipped with a labor room and post-natal care facilities. |
| Staffing Emphasis | Focus on preventative/promotive health. | Staff trained in skilled birth attendance (SBA). |
Why the distinction matters
- Resource Allocation: Type B centres receive additional funding for maternity equipment, waste management, and 24/7 power supply to support intra-partum care.
- Community Role: Type B centres function as the immediate point of care for institutional deliveries in remote, rural settings, reducing the load on PHCs and CHCs.
- Public Health Impact: This classification helps in mapping maternal health infrastructure gaps in rural India, a critical metric for district-level planning.
High-Yield Exam Pearl:
- Mnemonic: B = Birth (Delivery) services. If it provides deliveries, it is Type B.
- HWC Integration: Both types of Sub-Centres are now upgraded as Health and Wellness Centres to provide an expanded package of 12 services, including screening for NCDs, eye care, and mental health.