India's healthcare system faces significant challenges in providing accessible, affordable, and quality care to its vast population. To address these issues, the government launched the National Health Mission (NHM), a comprehensive program designed to strengthen public health infrastructure and services.
In this article, we will explore the objectives, full form, and benefits of the NHM, and how it is transforming healthcare delivery in India.
What Is the National Health Mission (NHM)?
The National Health Mission (NHM) is a flagship program of the Government of India, launched in 2013 by merging the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM). The mission aims to provide universal access to equitable, affordable, and quality healthcare services, with a focus on maternal and child health, communicable and non-communicable diseases, and healthcare infrastructure development.
The full form of NHM is "National Health Mission." It encompasses two sub-missions:
· National Rural Health Mission (NRHM): Launched in 2005, the NRHM focuses on improving healthcare in rural areas.
· National Urban Health Mission (NUHM): Launched in 2013, the NUHM addresses the healthcare needs of the urban poor, particularly those living in slums.
Components of the National Health Mission Scheme
The national health mission scheme comprises several components that work together to achieve its objectives:
1. Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A)
The RMNCH+A program focuses on providing comprehensive care to mothers, newborns, children, and adolescents. It includes initiatives such as the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) for institutional deliveries, the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) for child health screening, and the Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) program for adolescent girls.
2. Communicable Disease Control
The NHM works to prevent and control communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, dengue, and HIV/AIDS through various programs and initiatives. These include the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP), the National Vector Borne Disease Control Program (NVBDCP), and the National AIDS Control Program (NACP).
3. Non-Communicable Disease Control
The mission also addresses the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. The National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS) focuses on early detection, treatment, and management of NCDs.
4. Healthcare Infrastructure Development
Under the NHM, the government has invested in strengthening public health infrastructure, including the construction and upgrading of primary health centres (PHCs), community health centres (CHCs), and district hospitals. The mission also supports the establishment of new medical colleges and the expansion of existing ones to increase the availability of skilled healthcare professionals.
5. Human Resources for Health
The NHM works to enhance the capacity and availability of healthcare professionals, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This includes the training and deployment of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), and other frontline health workers.
Benefits of the National Health Mission
The implementation of the National Health Mission has led to several benefits for the Indian population:
1. Improved maternal and child health indicators
The NHM has contributed to a significant reduction in maternal and child mortality rates through initiatives such as the JSY, RBSK, and WIFS programs.
2. Increased access to healthcare services
The mission has expanded the network of healthcare facilities, particularly in rural and underserved areas, making quality healthcare more accessible to the population.
3. Better disease control
The NHM's focus on communicable and non-communicable disease control has helped in the prevention, early detection, and management of various health conditions.
4. Enhanced healthcare infrastructure
The mission has invested in the construction and upgrading of healthcare facilities, improving the overall quality of healthcare services.
5. Empowered frontline health workers
The training and deployment of ASHAs and ANMs under the NHM have strengthened the healthcare workforce and improved community outreach.
6. Increased health awareness
The mission promotes healthy lifestyles and behaviour change through various health education and awareness campaigns, empowering individuals to take charge of their health.
The Role of Insurance Companies in the National Health Mission
Insurance companies play a crucial role in supporting the objectives of the NHM by offering health insurance products that align with the mission's goals. These products can help increase access to quality healthcare services, reduce out-of-pocket expenses for individuals, and promote preventive care. Some ways in which insurance companies can contribute to the NHM include:
· Offering affordable health insurance plans that cover a wide range of healthcare services, including maternal and child health, communicable and non-communicable diseases, and preventive care.
· Collaborating with the government and healthcare providers to develop innovative insurance products that cater to the specific needs of the population, particularly those in rural and underserved areas.
· Promoting health awareness and preventive care through wellness programs and health education initiatives.
· Leveraging technology to streamline claims processing, improve customer experience, and enhance the overall efficiency of the healthcare system.
By aligning their products and services with the objectives of the National Health Mission, insurance companies can play a vital role in improving healthcare access, affordability, and outcomes in India.
Summing Up
The National Health Mission (NHM) is a comprehensive program that aims to transform India's healthcare system by providing universal access to quality, affordable, and equitable healthcare services. Through its various components and initiatives, the mission has made significant strides in improving maternal and child health, controlling communicable and non-communicable diseases, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and empowering frontline health workers.
As the NHM continues to evolve and expand, it is essential for all stakeholders, including the government, healthcare providers, insurance companies, and the community, to work together to achieve the mission's objectives. To learn more about how Generali Central Insurance is contributing to a healthier nation through its comprehensive health insurance solutions, visit Generali Central Insurance today. Safeguard your health and your family’s future with trusted protection.
FAQs
1. When was the National Health Mission launched?
The National Health Mission was launched in 2013 by merging the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM).
2. What are the primary objectives of the National Health Mission?
The primary objectives of the NHM include reducing maternal and child mortality rates, preventing and controlling communicable and non-communicable diseases, improving access to quality healthcare services, and strengthening public health infrastructure.
3. How does the NHM ensure accountability and monitoring of its programs?
The NHM emphasises transparency through regular audits, performance-based monitoring, and community participation. It also uses digital platforms and health management information systems (HMIS) to track progress.
4. How does the NHM address maternal and child health?
The NHM addresses maternal and child health through initiatives such as the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) for institutional deliveries and the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) for child health screening.
5. What role do insurance companies play in supporting the National Health Mission?
Insurance companies can support the NHM by offering affordable health insurance plans that align with the mission's objectives, collaborating with the government and healthcare providers, promoting health awareness, and leveraging technology to improve the efficiency of the healthcare system.
