Context: Achievements of the National Health Mission (NHM) in improving healthcare access, reducing mortality rates, and strengthening rural and community-based healthcare systems
Relevance : GS 2(Health,Governance )
Reduction in Mortality Ratios
- Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR):
- Decline of 83% since 1990, outpacing the global reduction of 45%.
- Impact: Improved maternal healthcare and access.
- Infant Mortality Rate (IMR):
- Reduced from 39 (2014) to 28 per 1,000 live births (2020).
- Impact: Enhanced neonatal care and newborn health services.
Improvement in Fertility Rate
- Total Fertility Rate (TFR):
- Declined from 2.3 (2015) to 2.0 (2020) per NFHS-5.
- Impact: Better family planning and women’s health services.
Healthcare Workforce Expansion
- Workforce Engagement:
- 2021-22: 2.69 lakh healthcare workers engaged.
- 2022-23: 4.21 lakh professionals, including 1.29 lakh Community Health Officers (CHOs).
- 2023-24: 5.23 lakh workers, including 1.38 lakh CHOs.
- Impact: Strengthened healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas.
Health Emergencies Response
- Integrated System: Effective response to pandemics and disease outbreaks.
- Impact: Improved preparedness for public health crises.
Control of Communicable Diseases
- Tuberculosis (TB):
- Targeted interventions for early detection, treatment, and prevention.
- Impact: Lower TB incidence and progress towards elimination.
- Sickle Cell Anaemia:
- Focused initiatives to reduce incidence and improve care.
- Impact: Enhanced quality of life for affected individuals.
Strategic Areas of Focus
- Maternal and Child Health: Progress towards SDG targets ahead of 2030.
- Integrated Healthcare: Unified approach combining primary care, vaccination, and disease control.
- Rural Healthcare: Addressing gaps in underserved areas through CHOs and expanded infrastructure.
