The National Health Mission (NHM) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery across rural and urban areas. Launched in 2013, NHM focuses on improving access to equitable, affordable, and quality healthcare services, especially for vulnerable and underserved communities.
The mission consolidates two sub-missions: the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM), ensuring a unified approach to healthcare development across the nation.
What is the National Health Mission (NHM)?
The National Health Mission was established to address critical healthcare gaps in India’s public health system. With a strong emphasis on preventive, promotive, and curative services, the NHM seeks to reduce maternal and infant mortality, control communicable and non-communicable diseases, and strengthen healthcare infrastructure.
The program operates through specific frameworks:
- NRHM: Targets rural areas with a focus on reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health (RMNCH+A).
- NUHM: Aims to improve healthcare access in urban areas, particularly for the urban poor and migrants.
Benefits of the National Health Mission (NHM)
1. Improved Healthcare Access
The NHM bridges healthcare gaps by improving the availability of services in rural and urban areas. The establishment of Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) ensures that people can access basic healthcare services close to their homes.
2. Free or Subsidized Services
The mission offers free or low-cost healthcare services, including immunization, antenatal care, postnatal care, and treatment for communicable diseases. This makes essential healthcare affordable for economically vulnerable populations.
3. Focus on Women and Child Health
NHM has a dedicated focus on maternal and child health through programs like Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK). These initiatives aim to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates by providing cash incentives, institutional delivery support, and free healthcare for children.
4. Strengthening of Healthcare Infrastructure
The mission invests in upgrading healthcare infrastructure, including the development of Primary Health Centers (PHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs), and District Hospitals. It also ensures the availability of advanced medical equipment and skilled healthcare professionals.
5. Capacity Building and Training
NHM focuses on training healthcare workers, including Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), to deliver basic healthcare services and promote health awareness in communities.
6. Addressing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
Under the NHM, programs have been launched to combat non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer, ensuring holistic healthcare coverage.
Advantages of the National Health Mission (NHM)
- Equitable Healthcare Delivery: The mission ensures healthcare reaches the most underserved regions, reducing disparities in service access.
- Community Participation: NHM promotes community involvement in planning and monitoring healthcare programs, fostering a sense of ownership.
- Integrated Approach: By combining NRHM and NUHM, the mission adopts a unified strategy for healthcare delivery in both rural and urban areas.
- Innovative Initiatives: NHM encourages innovative solutions, such as telemedicine, mobile health units, and digital health records, to enhance service efficiency.
Disadvantages of the National Health Mission (NHM)
1. Infrastructure Challenges
Despite improvements, the healthcare infrastructure in remote areas remains inadequate. Some PHCs and CHCs lack advanced medical equipment and skilled staff.
2. Funding Constraints
NHM relies heavily on government funding. Budget constraints can affect the implementation and scaling of programs.
3. Limited Awareness
Many beneficiaries remain unaware of the services offered under NHM due to inadequate outreach and communication strategies.
4. Dependence on ASHAs and ANMs
The mission places a significant burden on ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), who often work in challenging conditions with limited resources.
5. Slow Implementation in Urban Areas
While rural healthcare has seen significant improvements under NRHM, the urban healthcare component (NUHM) is still evolving and faces unique challenges like slum conditions and migrant populations.
Eligibility for National Health Mission (NHM)
NHM services are primarily targeted at:
- Women and Children: Pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under five years.
- Low-Income Families: Beneficiaries under government schemes like PMJAY.
- Rural and Urban Poor: Vulnerable populations in rural and urban areas.
How to Apply for National Health Mission (NHM) Services
Step 1: Identify the Required Service
Determine the specific service you need under NHM, such as immunization, maternal care, or treatment for non-communicable diseases. Visit the nearest Health and Wellness Center (HWC), PHC, or CHC.
Step 2: Check Eligibility
Consult with local health workers or ASHAs to confirm your eligibility for NHM services. You can also inquire at District Health Offices.
Step 3: Register for the Service
For services like institutional delivery or vaccinations, you may need to register at the healthcare facility. Health workers will guide you through the process.
Step 4: Avail of Free Treatment
Once registered, you can access free or subsidized treatment. For complex procedures, you may be referred to a higher-level facility.
Step 5: Follow Up
Ensure regular follow-ups as advised by healthcare providers to monitor health outcomes and benefit from additional services under NHM.
The National Health Mission (NHM) is a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening India’s public healthcare system. By prioritizing maternal and child health, controlling communicable diseases, and addressing non-communicable conditions, NHM plays a pivotal role in improving health outcomes nationwide. While challenges like infrastructure gaps and funding limitations persist, the mission’s emphasis on equitable and affordable healthcare marks a significant step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage.
For more information, visit the official NHM website.
