Synopsis
The Union Cabinet reviewed the progress of the National Health Mission (NHM) under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reporting significant improvements in maternal and child health, disease control, and healthcare infrastructure between FY 2021-24.Key Takeaways
- Significant decline in maternal and infant mortality rates.
- Progress in disease elimination programs, including Tuberculosis and malaria.
- Over 220 crore Covid-19 vaccine doses administered.
- 17.3% reduction in tobacco use.
- On track to meet Sustainable Development Goals ahead of schedule.
New Delhi, Jan 22 (NationPress) The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was informed about the advancements made under the National Health Mission (NHM) during the financial years 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24.
This report highlighted a significant reduction in the maternal mortality rate (MMR), infant mortality rate, under-five mortality rate, and total fertility rate, along with progress in various disease control programs such as tuberculosis (TB), malaria, kala-azar, dengue, leprosy, and viral hepatitis. Additionally, new initiatives like the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission were introduced.
According to a Cabinet Communique, “The NHM has played a pivotal role in enhancing public health outcomes in India through its unwavering commitment to expanding human resources, addressing critical health challenges, and promoting a coordinated response to health emergencies.”
The NHM's primary accomplishments during FY 2021-24 included advancements in maternal and child health, disease elimination, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure. Notably, the MMR decreased by 83 percent since 1990, surpassing the global average decline of 45 percent.
Furthermore, under-five mortality rates showed a significant drop of 75 percent compared to the global reduction of 60 percent since 1990. The incidence of TB fell from 237 per 100,000 population in 2015 to 195 in 2023, while TB mortality rates declined from 28 to 22 during this period.
The initiative was also crucial during the Covid-19 pandemic, facilitating increased access to quality healthcare services across the nation.
By enhancing the workforce in the healthcare sector and bolstering the public health system, NHM was instrumental in the battle against Covid.
“Leveraging the existing network of healthcare facilities and personnel, NHM administered over 220 crore Covid-19 vaccine doses from January 2021 to March 2024,” stated the Communique.
NHM has also tackled urgent public health issues, including tobacco use and snakebite envenoming, contributing to a 17.3 percent decline in tobacco consumption over the last decade.
“The ongoing initiatives of NHM have led to a remarkable transformation in India’s healthcare system. By expanding human resources, enhancing health outcomes, and addressing pressing health issues, NHM continues to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services nationwide,” the Communique emphasized.
“With substantial strides toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), India is on a promising path to meet its health objectives well ahead of the 2030 deadline,” it added.
