Transformative Impact of the National Health Mission on India’s Healthcare Landscape
Overview of NHM Contributions
The National Health Mission (NHM) has played a pivotal role in enhancing India’s healthcare system. Significant strides have been made in reducing maternal mortality rates, tuberculosis (TB) prevalence, and sickle cell anaemia cases. As stated in the Central Government’s assessment report for 2021-24, presented to the Union Cabinet on January 22, 2025, these achievements underscore NHM’s multifaceted approach to public health challenges.
Expansion of Healthcare Workforce
A standout feature of NHM’s recent initiatives is the substantial growth in healthcare personnel. The report highlighted that during the fiscal year 2021-22 alone, approximately 269,000 new healthcare providers were onboarded. This includes medical officers across various disciplines such as general duty doctors and specialists, alongside nurses and AYUSH practitioners. Furthermore, an impressive number of 90,740 community health officers (CHOs) were also enlisted.
The trend continued thereafter with an additional engagement of over421,000 professionals in FY 2022-23—including around129,000 CHOs—and about523,000 workers engaged during FY 2023-24 with a contribution from more than138,000 CHOs. These enhancements are crucial for elevating healthcare services at local levels and addressing immediate health concerns effectively.
Progress Toward Mortality Reduction Goals
Significant progress has been observed concerning maternal health metrics under NHM’s initiatives—specifically an astonishing decrease of83% in the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) since1990—a far superior figure compared to the global decline rate of45%. Indicators for child survival have similarly improved; data reveals that Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) dropped from45 deaths per1,000 live births in2014 to32 by2020—a reduction trajectory that surpasses global trends witnessed since1990.
FurthermoreUrban indicators show Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), which fell from39 per1,000 live births to28 within this period. Correspondingly,the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) transitioned from2.3to2 between2015and2020 as noted by metrics fromNational Family Health Survey(NFHS-5). These developments indicate India is progressing vigorously towards achieving its United Nations Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs), particularly surrounding maternal and child mortality benchmarks ahead of2030Deadlines.
Disease Control Initiatives
NHM has also been vital for disease management; there have been notable reductions observed across various communicable diseases like TB—where incidence plummetedfrom237 cases per100k population(2015)to195(2023)—and overall mortality rates associated with it showcasing improvement—from28 down to22 during this same span[br]. Malaria presented similar results with reported reductions; incidents droppedby13% while related fatalities decreased byover3%compared against numbers drawnfrom previous year215data representation’s factsThese statistics highlight how comprehensive policies can effectively tackle public health crises through proactive engagement models.
Successes Against Kala-Azar & Vaccination Efforts
In terms eliminations efforts,kala nazar seen significant success—having all endemic blocks reach targets performing below one case per10k populations resting closing factors contributing progressThis supports national objectives targeting vector-borne illnesses Additionally vaccinations programs continue thriving such killer campaignsMeasles-Rubella Elimination Campaign under IntensifiedMission Indradhanush saw over34Cr children vaccinated achieving97% coverage which reflects strong cooperative progress scaling up targets anticipated meet expected improvements faster trackthan projectedmodels earlier projects indicate authenticity earnings provided back successful advocacy message Summary outcomes driven Di performance indicators place positive visual strategies moving spaces encourage ministries focus fortifying consistent partnerships renew interests aligning resource efforts ensuring maximum outreach towards building resilient communities publicly investedareas laid groundwork stronger foundations expect earn greater Returns lasting impacts future?”
Published - January 22 , 2025 | 7:40 PM IST