The Primary Healthcare Project (PHCP) is an initiative of OPCA being implemented through its Mayani Branch in Mirsarai Upazila, Chattogram. The project aims to improve access to essential healthcare services and promote healthier lifestyles among underserved and vulnerable communities.
The project follows a community-focused and preventive approach to healthcare, recognizing that good health depends not only on access to treatment but also on awareness, early detection, proper nutrition, hygiene, sanitation, and timely care-seeking. PHCP therefore combines basic healthcare support with health education and community outreach.
Through the project, community members are supported with access to basic primary healthcare services, including health consultations, preliminary health assessments, health advice, first aid, and appropriate referral to higher-level healthcare facilities when specialized treatment is required. The project particularly seeks to reach people who may experience financial, geographical, or social barriers to accessing healthcare.
Maternal and child health is an important area of PHCP. The project promotes awareness of antenatal and postnatal care, maternal nutrition, breastfeeding, child nutrition, immunization, personal hygiene, and appropriate care for common childhood health concerns. Families are encouraged to recognize health risks at an early stage and seek professional care when necessary.
The project also emphasizes health awareness and disease prevention. Community-based awareness activities promote safe water, sanitation, handwashing, personal hygiene, nutritious food, healthy lifestyles, and prevention of common communicable and non-communicable diseases. By strengthening health knowledge at the household and community levels, PHCP aims to encourage informed and responsible health practices.
Where appropriate, the project supports basic health screening and early identification of health risks, including conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, nutritional problems, and other common health concerns. Individuals who require further medical assessment are encouraged and assisted to seek appropriate services through the referral system.
Nutrition and WASH awareness are integrated into the project because they play a vital role in preventing illness and improving family wellbeing. Communities are encouraged to practice safe drinking-water management, proper sanitation, regular handwashing, food hygiene, and balanced nutrition using locally available resources.
PHCP also works to strengthen community participation in healthcare. Community members, local volunteers, and health workers can contribute to awareness activities, outreach, health promotion, and referral support. This community-based approach helps ensure that healthcare information and services are more responsive to local needs.
The project recognizes the importance of early referral and follow-up for people who need services beyond primary healthcare. Individuals with serious symptoms, pregnancy-related complications, severe nutritional conditions, chronic health problems, injuries, or other conditions requiring specialized attention are guided toward appropriate healthcare facilities.
Through its implementation in Mayani, Mirsarai Upazila, OPCA seeks to contribute to improved health awareness, greater access to primary healthcare, and better health-seeking practices among local communities. The project places particular importance on vulnerable households and people who may otherwise have limited access to healthcare services.
The Primary Healthcare Project (PHCP) reflects OPCA's commitment to promoting healthier communities through accessible healthcare, prevention, awareness, and community participation. Rather than focusing solely on treatment, the project seeks to build greater awareness of health risks and encourage individuals and families to take timely and informed action for their own wellbeing.
Project Location: Mayani Branch, Mirsarai Upazila, Chattogram
Implementing Organization: OPCA
