Sub-centres have been set up to bring health services closer to the rural population. One sub-centre is meant for 10,000 population staffed by an auxiliary nurse, midwife and a dai, with a sanction of Rs 2,000 worth of medicines. Several studies have been conducted to find out how far has the present set-up succeeded in reaching this objective. One such sub-centre in Raipur district is studied in this note. The note presents a conceptual framework for examining the potential viability of sub-centres, as institutions and classroom discussions would focus on the viability and usefulness of sub-centres, using the suggested framework.