AAPLA DAWAKHANA should be located such that they are easily accessible by the urban communities which they target to serve. Planning and provision of AAPLA DAWAKHANA takes into account factors affecting access such as geographical spread, access within the community, road connectivity and the ‘time to care’ approach (within 30 minutes of reach).
The Urban HWCs should be located preferably within 1 kilometer radius from the periphery of under-served population in urban slums, vulnerable pockets, and temporary settlements in cities and peri-urban areas, which are the prime focus in the urban areas.
As far as practical, while choosing the location for establishment of new Centers, places like landfill sites, water treatment plants, industrial areas, etc., should not be in the vicinity of AAPLA DAWAKHANA.
The infrastructure for all facilities should follow the rules and regulations as laid down in the state by-laws and the associated National Building Code.
Factors to be considered while building a new facility or selecting a new site for a facility include:
- Accessibility to the community (with good road connectivity). Ideally, it should be located within the habitation while ensuring safety of health care providers.
- The facility is not in a low-lying flood prone area.
- It is adequately serviced by public utilities such as water, electricity and telephone connectivity, sewage, and storm-water disposal. In areas where these are not available, appropriate substitutes should be identified, alternative source of electricity like Solar panels or inverter for power backup to ensure constant electric supply for telephone and internet connectivity.
- Ensuring elderly and disabled friendly access.
- Minimizing exposure to air, noise, water and land pollution and vector-breeding / vector proof buildings.
- Reviewing land utilization in adjoining areas, the general topography, proximity to the local bus stands, railway station and other modes of transport and obtaining the necessary environmental (including seismic safety), fire safety and administrative clearance.
- The state and area specific by-laws and rules should be strictly adhered to.
It should strictly adhere to the statutory fire safety norms. This includes due consideration to the provision of facilities for initial screening and holding area, patient registration, waiting areas, clear wayfinding and sign- costing, parking, gardens, washrooms, drinking water, elderly and disabled friendly facilities.
Processes such as registration and drug dispensing should be computerized. The facility should be environment friendly with scope for adequate natural light, water harvesting and solar energy, as appropriate. Adequate hand washing facilities near entrance, examination and patient waiting areas should be provided.