Utilization of primary health services in Port Sudan, Sudan.

The utilization of primary health services provided by two health centres and a hospital out-patient department was studied. The epidemiologic pattern was similar in the three health care facilities; minor gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract and skin conditions formed the majority of cases. Distance was a limiting factor for utilization of health services in the health centres and not in the hospital. The average consultation time per patient was two minutes. Lack of drugs was the universal problem. Suggestions and recommendations to solve some of the problems and improve services are presented.