National Health Mission

Objectives of National Health Mission (NHM)

1. Universal Healthcare Access:

   • Ensure equitable access to healthcare services for all individuals, regardless of socio-economic status or geographical location.

2. Improving Health Infrastructure:

   • Strengthen healthcare infrastructure, including hospitals, primary health centers (PHCs), and community health centers (CHCs), to enhance service delivery.

3. Human Resource Development:

   • Develop a skilled workforce of healthcare professionals and community health workers to effectively address the healthcare needs of the population.

4. Preventive Healthcare:

   • Promote preventive healthcare measures such as immunization, maternal and child health services, and disease control programs to reduce the burden of preventable illnesses.

5. Promotion of Maternal and Child Health:

   • Ensure maternal and child health services reach every corner of the country to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates.

6. Control of Communicable Diseases:

   • Implement strategies for the prevention and control of communicable diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, HIV/AIDS, and vector-borne diseases.

7. Non-Communicable Disease Management:

   • Strengthen healthcare systems for the management and prevention of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.

Components of National Health Mission

1. National Rural Health Mission (NRHM):

   • Focuses on improving healthcare services in rural areas and promoting community participation in health initiatives.

2. National Urban Health Mission (NUHM):

   • Extends healthcare services to urban areas and improves healthcare infrastructure in cities and towns.

3. National Disease Control Programs:

   • Implements disease-specific control programs targeting major health challenges such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and vector-borne diseases.

4. National Health Programs:

   • Includes various national health programs focusing on specific health issues and population groups.

5. Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY):

   • Aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates by promoting institutional deliveries and providing financial assistance to pregnant women.

6. Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY):

   • Provides health insurance coverage to below-poverty-line families for cashless treatment in empaneled hospitals.

7. Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY):

   • Aims to provide health coverage for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to vulnerable families.

Implementation Mechanisms of National Health Mission

1. State Health Mission (SHM):

   • Oversees NHM activities at the state level and coordinates with various stakeholders.

2. District Health Mission (DHM):

   • Ensures efficient delivery of healthcare services, monitors health indicators, and addresses local health challenges at the district level.

3. Community Participation:

   • Emphasizes community involvement in healthcare decision-making through Village Health and Sanitation Committees (VHSCs) and Urban Health Committees (UHCs).

4. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs):

   • Encourages partnerships with the private sector to leverage resources and expertise in healthcare service delivery.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation:

   • Implements robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress, assess impact, and make data-driven decisions.

Achievements of National Health Mission

1. Reduction in Maternal and Child Mortality:

   • Increased institutional deliveries, improved antenatal care, and child immunization coverage have contributed to declines in maternal and child mortality rates.

2. Expansion of Health Infrastructure:

   • Establishment and upgradation of healthcare facilities have enhanced access to essential healthcare services in rural and urban areas.

3. Control of Communicable Diseases:

   • Disease control programs have made significant strides in preventing and managing diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV/AIDS.

4. Promotion of Health Insurance:

   • Initiatives like RSBY and PMJAY have expanded health insurance coverage, providing financial protection to vulnerable populations.

5. Empowerment of Women and Communities:

   • Programs like JSY have promoted maternal health, while community participation has increased through VHSCs and UHCs.

Challenges and Way Forward for National Health Mission

1. Healthcare Infrastructure:

   • Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, especially in remote areas, is essential for universal access to quality healthcare.

2. Human Resources:

   • Addressing shortages of healthcare professionals through recruitment, training, and retention strategies is crucial.

3. Health Financing:

   • Ensuring adequate funding and promoting financial sustainability through innovative financing mechanisms are necessary.

4. Quality of Care:

   • Enhancing the quality of healthcare services through standards, protocols, and improved clinical skills is important.

5. Health Information Systems:

   • Strengthening health information systems for better data collection, analysis, and monitoring is vital for evidence-based decision-making.

The National Health Mission plays a pivotal role in improving healthcare accessibility, affordability, and quality for all citizens of India. With continued efforts and collaboration, it will further contribute to the health and well-being of the population, fostering a healthier and more prosperous nation.