National Health Mission

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

National Health Mission (NHM)[edit | edit source]

The National Health Mission (NHM) is a comprehensive health initiative launched by the Government of India in 2013, aimed at enhancing healthcare access, particularly in rural areas, and strengthening the country's health systems. The NHM subsumes the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) as its main components, focusing on a wide range of health-related issues, including maternal and child health, disease control, and accessibility to healthcare services.

Introduction[edit | edit source]

The NHM represents a strategic consolidation of India's health sector aimed at achieving universal access to equitable, affordable, and quality healthcare services. It is tailored to cater to the health needs of the underserved and marginalized populations in both rural and urban settings.

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Healthcare workers providing services in a rural Indian village under the NHM.

Objectives[edit | edit source]

The primary objectives of the NHM include:

  • Reduction in child and maternal mortality rates
  • Universal access to public health services with an emphasis on services addressing women's and children's health and universal immunization
  • Prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases
  • Access to integrated comprehensive primary healthcare
  • Population stabilization, gender, and demographic balance
  • Revitalization of local health traditions and mainstream AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy)

Components[edit | edit source]

National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)[edit | edit source]

Launched in 2005, focusing on providing effective healthcare to rural populations throughout India, with special attention to 18 states with poor health indicators.

National Urban Health Mission (NUHM)[edit | edit source]

Initiated to address health concerns of the urban poor, this component emphasizes the development of public health infrastructure in urban areas of the country.

Achievements[edit | edit source]

The NHM has made significant progress in improving health outcomes across India:

  • Enhanced infrastructure and increased healthcare workforce in rural and underserved areas
  • Improved maternal and child health through Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and Mission Indradhanush
  • Increased disease control measures for communicable diseases

Challenges[edit | edit source]

Despite its achievements, the NHM faces several challenges:

  • Persistent disparities in health outcomes across states and regions
  • Need for increased healthcare financing
  • Integration of non-communicable diseases into primary healthcare settings

Future Directions[edit | edit source]

The future of the NHM involves:

  • Strengthening health systems and infrastructure
  • Enhancing the quality of healthcare services
  • Integrating innovative technologies for better healthcare delivery
  • Focusing on the sustainability of health programs and interventions

See Also[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  • "National Health Mission: An Overview." Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
  • "Challenges and Opportunities for the National Health Mission." The Indian Journal of Public Health.
National Health Mission Resources
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Contributors: Kondreddy Naveen