A sub-centre caters the needs of —- population –
**Core Concept**
A sub-centre is the most peripheral and first contact point between the primary health care system and the community, serving as a vital component of India's rural health infrastructure. It is designed to cater to the primary health care needs of a specific population segment, with a focus on preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative services.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
A sub-centre typically serves a population of 5,000 in plain areas and 3,000 in hilly, tribal, or difficult areas. This population is usually a cluster of villages or a small town, and the sub-centre is equipped to provide basic health services, including maternal and child health care, immunization, and family planning. The sub-centre is staffed by a multipurpose worker (ASHA) and a health worker (male/female), who work together to provide essential health care services to the community.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Incorrect because a sub-centre is not designed to serve a population of 10,000, which is typically the catchment area of a primary health centre.
**Option B:** Incorrect because a sub-centre is not a hospital or a secondary-level health facility, but rather a primary health care centre.
**Option C:** Incorrect because while a sub-centre may serve a population of 5,000, it is not necessarily a fixed number and can vary depending on the specific context.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It is essential for health professionals to understand the role and function of sub-centres in the primary health care system, as they play a critical role in providing essential health services to rural and underserved populations.
**Correct Answer: D. 5,000**