N.H.M.
in India - Primary objective
The National Health Mission (NHM) in India is a comprehensive health program aimed
at improving the overall health status of the population, with a particular focus on rural,
underserved, and vulnerable populations. It was launched by the Government of India in
2013, merging two previous missions: the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and
the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM).
Primary Objective of NHM
The primary objective of the National Health Mission (NHM) is to improve the
availability, accessibility, and quality of healthcare services in rural and urban areas,
particularly for vulnerable and marginalized groups. It aims to achieve universal health
coverage and improve the health outcomes of the population.
Specific Objectives of NHM:
1. Universal Access to Healthcare Services:
o Ensure access to quality healthcare services for all, especially the poor,
women, children, and those in underserved regions.
o Improve healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural and remote areas,
to make health services more accessible.
2. Strengthen Healthcare Systems:
o Strengthen and upgrade the health infrastructure at the grassroots level
(i.e., primary health centers, sub-centers, and district hospitals).
o Enhance human resources in health by recruiting and training health
professionals, including doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers.
3. Reduce Health Inequities:
o Address social and economic disparities in healthcare access, focusing on
marginalized and vulnerable communities such as tribal populations,
minorities, and people living in remote areas.
o Focus on gender equality by improving maternal health services, family
planning programs, and reproductive healthcare.
4. Improvement in Health Outcomes:
o Reduce maternal, neonatal, and child mortality rates.
o Control and eliminate communicable diseases (such as malaria,
tuberculosis, and polio) and non-communicable diseases (such as
hypertension, diabetes).
o Promote nutrition, sanitation, and preventive healthcare measures.
5. Promote Public Health Programs:
o Implement health promotion and awareness programs to prevent disease,
improve nutrition, and encourage healthy lifestyles.
o Increase awareness about the importance of vaccinations, maternal and
child health, family planning, sanitation, and hygiene.
6. Integration of Health Services:
o Promote an integrated approach to healthcare by connecting various
health initiatives (maternal, child, adolescent health, immunization, etc.).
o Facilitate the convergence of health services with other sectors like
sanitation, education, and nutrition.
7. Strengthen Monitoring and Evaluation:
o Improve health information systems, ensure timely and accurate data
collection, and strengthen the monitoring of health programs.
o Regular evaluation of health outcomes to ensure the effectiveness of
health programs and interventions.
Key Components of NHM:
1. National Rural Health Mission (NRHM): Focuses on improving healthcare
delivery in rural areas through infrastructure development, strengthening primary
healthcare, and human resource development.
2. National Urban Health Mission (NUHM): Aims to address the health needs of
urban populations, particularly the urban poor, and ensures better healthcare
access in urban areas.
3. Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs): NHM supports the establishment of these
centers to deliver comprehensive healthcare services, including maternal and
child health, chronic disease management, immunization, and health education.
4. National Disease Control Programs: NHM provides support for the
implementation of disease control programs like the National Tuberculosis
Control Program (NTP), National Vector-Borne Disease Control Program
(NVBDCP), and the National AIDS Control Program (NACP).
Impact of NHM:
Improved healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Increased access to healthcare services for marginalized communities.
Reduced maternal and child mortality rates.
Improved immunization coverage and control of communicable diseases.
Increased awareness about health and hygiene in rural and urban populations.
In summary, the National Health Mission (NHM) in India focuses on ensuring universal
access to quality healthcare, reducing health disparities, improving healthcare
infrastructure, and enhancing overall health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable
populations.
