Management of diabetes mellitus: need for empowering primary health care

Chronic diseases are on a constant rise in developing countries. India ranks second globally in terms of diabetes burden. In this case report, an attempt was made to analyse the health care-seeking behaviour of Mrs. SM, receiving treatment at Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention Clinic, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar. The patient travels a long distance to seek treatment at AIIMS although she suffers from financial hardships. The pathway of care included referral from Primary Health Centre to tertiary health care facility and back referral. This prompted the authors to study the health care-seeking behaviour with the aid of Health Belief Model. Analysis of the model revealed the enabling factors for treatment adherence and treatment continuity. The present study also analysed the chronic disease care gap from the health system perspective and focused on the need for reformatory measures.