National Health Mission Achieves Major Milestones in Public Health (2021-24)

The National Health Mission (NHM) continues to make remarkable strides in addressing the nation’s healthcare challenges. Established in 2013 by merging the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM), the NHM has been pivotal in enhancing healthcare infrastructure and service delivery. A review of the NHM’s progress from 2021-24 showcases significant achievements, underscoring its role in improving health indicators and promoting equitable access to healthcare.

Key Achievements of NHM (2021-24)

1. COVID-19 Vaccination Milestone:
   India administered over 220 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses during the period, becoming one of the world’s leaders in vaccination coverage. This was achieved through initiatives like Har Ghar Dastak, which focused on reaching every household, and robust digital platforms like Co-WIN, ensuring transparency and efficient vaccine distribution.

2. Maternal and Child Health:
   India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) saw an impressive 83% reduction since 1990, now standing at 97 deaths per 100,000 live births. Similarly, the Under-5 Mortality Rate dropped by 75%, reflecting the success of programs such as Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and Mission Indradhanush, which aim to promote institutional deliveries and universal immunization.

3. Tackling Infectious Diseases:
   The Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has accelerated efforts to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) by 2025, offering free diagnostic and treatment services. The recently launched Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission targets tribal areas where this genetic condition is prevalent, aiming for eradication by 2047.

4. Digital and Infrastructure Advances:
   The U-WIN platform, a digital initiative, is being rolled out to improve vaccine tracking, building on the success of Co-WIN. Additionally, the NHM expanded healthcare infrastructure, including the creation of 1.6 lakh Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres to deliver comprehensive primary care.

The implementation strategy of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare under NHM is to provide financial and technical support to States / Union Territories (UTs) enabling them to provide accessible, affordable, accountable, and effective healthcare upto District Hospitals (DHs), especially to the poor and vulnerable sections of the population. It has also aimed to bridge the gap in rural healthcare services through improved health infrastructure, augmentation of human resource and improved service delivery in rural areas and has envisaged decentralization of programme to district level to facilitate need-based interventions, improve intra and inter-sectoral convergence and effective utilization of resources.