Despite India's rapid economic growth, a significant portion of its urban population still lacks access to quality healthcare services. The urban poor, in particular, face numerous challenges when it comes to receiving adequate medical attention. Recognising this pressing need, the Government of India launched the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) in May 2013.
This article delves into the objectives, benefits, and full form of NUHM, shedding light on how this initiative aims to bridge the healthcare gap in urban areas.
What Is the Full Form of NUHM?
NUHM stands for "National Urban Health Mission". It is a sub-mission under the overarching National Health Mission (NHM), which was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
The NUHM full form encapsulates its primary goal: to address the health concerns of the urban population, with a specific focus on the urban poor and vulnerable sections of society.
Key Objectives of the National Urban Health Mission
The National Urban Health Mission has several key objectives aimed at improving the health status of the urban population:
· Universal Access to Healthcare
Ensure that all urban residents, especially the poor and marginalised, have access to essential healthcare services. This helps reduce health inequities and ensures that vulnerable populations receive timely and affordable care.
· Strengthening Urban Health Infrastructure
Enhance the capacity of urban health facilities to meet the growing healthcare needs of urban populations. Improved infrastructure ensures that facilities are well-equipped to handle both routine and emergency medical situations.
· Community Participation
Involve communities in planning, implementation, and monitoring of health services to ensure they are responsive to local needs. Active participation fosters trust, accountability, and better utilisation of health services.
· Integration of Health Services
Integrate various health services, including maternal and child health, immunisation, and non-communicable disease management, to provide comprehensive care. A holistic approach ensures continuity of care and reduces fragmentation.
· Capacity Building
Train healthcare providers and community health workers to improve service delivery and health outcomes. Continuous skill development enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare programs at the grassroots level.
By focusing on these objectives, NUHM strives to create a robust and responsive urban health system that caters to the needs of the marginalised sections of society.
Features of the National Urban Health Mission
Various features of the National Urban Health Mission are:
· Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs)
Establishment of UPHCs to provide primary healthcare services in urban areas. These centres serve as the primary point of contact for urban residents, helping to alleviate the burden on secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities.
· Community Health Workers
Deployment of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Mahila Arogya Samitis (MAS) to facilitate community engagement and health education. They also assist in outreach programs, track health indicators, and support immunisation and maternal care initiatives.
· Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
Collaboration with private healthcare providers to expand service delivery and reach underserved populations. PPPs help bridge gaps in infrastructure and ensure timely access to quality healthcare services in areas where government facilities are limited.
· Health Education and Awareness
Implementation of programs to raise awareness about health issues and promote healthy behaviours among urban residents. These initiatives aim to reduce preventable diseases and encourage lifestyle changes for long-term health benefits.
· Disease Control Programs
Initiatives to control and prevent the spread of communicable and non-communicable diseases in urban areas. These programs include regular screenings, vaccination drives, and targeted interventions aimed at reducing disease prevalence in high-risk communities.
Benefits of the National Urban Health Mission
The implementation of the National Urban Health Mission has brought about several benefits for the urban population, particularly the poor and vulnerable groups:
1. Increased Access to Healthcare Services
o Establishment of Urban Primary Health Centres (U-PHCs) and Urban Community Health Centres (U-CHCs) in urban areas.
o Provision of free essential drugs, diagnostics, and referral services.
o Outreach services through Urban Health and Nutrition Days (UHNDs) and special health camps.
2. Improved Maternal and Child Health
o Promotion of institutional deliveries and skilled birth attendance.
o Strengthening of antenatal, postnatal, and newborn care services.
o Immunisation coverage and nutrition supplementation for children.
3. Enhanced Disease Control and Prevention
o Screening and management of communicable and non-communicable diseases.
o Vector control measures for diseases like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya.
o Health education and awareness campaigns on preventive measures.
4. Capacity Building and Community Involvement
o Training and capacity building of healthcare providers, including Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs).
o Formation of Mahila Arogya Samitis (MAS) to promote community participation in health planning and monitoring.
o Encouraging public-private partnerships for better healthcare delivery.
These benefits have significantly contributed to improving the overall health status of the urban population, particularly the marginalised sections, by ensuring accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services.
Challenges and Way Forward
Despite the commendable efforts of the National Urban Health Mission, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed:
1. Inadequate Infrastructure and Human Resources
o Shortage of well-equipped healthcare facilities and trained healthcare providers in urban areas.
o Need for strengthening referral systems and ensuring continuity of care.
2. Lack of Awareness and Health-Seeking Behaviour
o Low levels of health literacy and awareness among the urban poor.
o Cultural and socio-economic barriers hinder access to healthcare services.
3. Coordination and Convergence
o There is a need for better coordination among various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and the private sector.
o Convergence of NUHM with other urban development programs for a holistic approach to health and well-being.
To overcome these challenges, the government must continue to prioritise the National Urban Health Mission and allocate sufficient resources for its effective implementation. Strengthening the healthcare infrastructure, capacity building of healthcare providers, and community engagement should be the key focus areas.
Final Thoughts
The National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) has been a significant step towards addressing the healthcare needs of the urban population, particularly the poor and vulnerable sections. By focusing on equitable access, quality services, preventive measures, and community involvement, NUHM has brought about positive changes in the health status of the urban population.
Alongside government initiatives like NUHM, having reliable health insurance plays a vital role in protecting families from unexpected medical expenses and ensuring continuous access to quality care. Insurance coverage complements public healthcare efforts by reducing out-of-pocket costs and promoting financial security during medical emergencies. Organisations such as Generali Central Insurance provide comprehensive health insurance solutions that help individuals and families stay protected while contributing to India’s broader goal of “Health for All.”
FAQs
1. What is the full form of NUHM?
NUHM stands for "National Urban Health Mission". It is a government initiative aimed at strengthening healthcare services in urban areas, particularly for the poor and vulnerable populations.
2. When was the National Urban Health Mission launched?
The National Urban Health Mission was launched in May 2013 as part of the National Health Mission (NHM). It was designed to address the unique healthcare challenges of rapidly growing urban populations.
3. What are the key objectives of NUHM?
The key objectives of NUHM include facilitating equitable access to quality healthcare services, strengthening the existing healthcare delivery system, promoting public health, enhancing capacity building, and encouraging community participation.
4. Who are the primary beneficiaries of the National Urban Health Mission?
The primary beneficiaries of NUHM are the urban poor and other vulnerable sections of society, who often lack access to quality healthcare services.
5. What are some of the benefits of NUHM for the urban population?
Some of the benefits of NUHM include increased access to healthcare services through U-PHCs and U-CHCs, improved maternal and child health, enhanced disease control and prevention, and capacity building of healthcare providers.
