The National Health Mission (NHM), launched in 2013, is India’s overarching health program aimed at providing accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to the entire population. Building upon the successes and lessons of its predecessor, the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), the NHM adopts a holistic approach integrating various health initiatives.
Objectives of NHM
- Reduce Health Inequities: Address disparities in healthcare access, particularly for rural, marginalized, and vulnerable populations.
- Universal Health Coverage (UHC): Move towards the goal of universal health coverage by providing affordable and comprehensive healthcare services for all.
- Strengthening Public Health Systems: Revitalize primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare infrastructure across the country.
- Focus on Maternal and Child Health: Emphasize reducing maternal and infant mortality rates and improving child health indicators.
- Preventive and Promotive Healthcare: Shift focus from curative care to a preventive and promotive approach for healthier communities.
Key Components of NHM
- National Rural Health Mission (NRHM): Continues the focused attention on strengthening rural healthcare systems, outreach services, and addressing specific health needs of rural populations.
- National Urban Health Mission (NUHM): Aims to improve healthcare delivery in urban areas, particularly slums and other underserved populations.
- Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A): Addresses the continuum of care for women and children, with a strong focus on reducing preventable deaths.
- Communicable & Non-Communicable Diseases Programs: Tackles the burden of both communicable diseases (TB, Malaria, HIV/AIDS) as well as the rise of non-communicable diseases (diabetes, hypertension, cancer).
- Infrastructure Strengthening: Supports the development of health infrastructure, including sub-centers, primary health centers, community health centers, and district hospitals.
- Human Resources for Health: Focuses on increasing the availability of skilled healthcare personnel and addressing the shortage of doctors, nurses, and community health workers.
Impact of NHM:
- Improved Health Indicators: NHM has contributed to significant improvements in key health indicators, particularly relating to maternal and child health.
- Expanded Infrastructure: Increased number of health facilities, particularly in rural areas.
Case Study: ASHA – Backbone of Rural Healthcare
Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) under NRHM facilitate access to healthcare services, promote health awareness, and connect pregnant women and children with immunization and other crucial services.
FAQs About NHM
- How is NHM funded? Jointly funded by the Central and State governments.
- Who benefits from NHM? The entire population of India, with particular emphasis on vulnerable populations and those living in underserved areas.
MCQs
- The primary purpose of the NHM is to:
- A. Provide affordable healthcare to all
- B. Eradicate rural poverty
- C. Promote export of agricultural products
- D. Construct modern infrastructure
- Which of these is NOT a direct focus area of the NHM?
- A. Maternal and child health
- B. Communicable diseases
- C. Non-communicable diseases
- D. Free distribution of smartphones
Answer Key: 1-A, 2-D
Conclusion
The National Health Mission represents India’s ongoing commitment towards strengthening its healthcare systems and achieving the goal of universal health coverage. It adopts a comprehensive and integrated approach addressing both rural and urban health needs. The success of NHM rests on continued investment in infrastructure, human resources, addressing social determinants of health, ensuring accountability, and community participation.