Table 1.

Operational definition and categorization of variables

Variables	Description
Dependent variable
Availability of specialists	The total number of specialists available at a CHC –varies from 0 to 7
Independent variables
Number of workers	Total number of health worker available at CHC (except specialists) - < =10; 11–20; 21–30; 30+
Residence	Total number of residences available for specialists - None; One; Two; Three; Four
Water	The main source of water at CHC - Tap (piped water supply); Others (bore well, tube well or traditional well); None
Electricity	Whether the CHC has a three-phase electricity connection - Yes; No
FRU	Whether the CHC is designated as First Referral Unit - Yes, No
Location	Where is the CHC located? Rural area; Urban area.
Distance to DH	The distance of CHC from the district headquarters (DH) - < =5 kms; 6–10 kms; 11–30 kms, 31–50 kms; 50+ kms.