In South Asia, PHCs are the basic first-line units providing primary health care.
In addition to the provision of diagnostic and curative services, the Medical Officer acts as the primary administrator for the PHC.
The primary field staff, who provide outreach services, are called "ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist)" or a village health nurse, depending upon the Indian state where the PHC is located.
The village health nurse provides service at the point of care, often in the patient's home.
If additional diagnostic testing or clinical intervention is required, the patient is transported to the PHC to be evaluated by the Medical Officer.