NATIONAL HEALTH MISSION REACHES MAJOR MILESTONES IN ENHANCING INDIA'SHEALTH SYSTEM

New Delhi: The National Health Mission (NHM) has achieved significant milestones in enhancing India's healthcare system between FY2021-24, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Health. The mission has set numerous records, including engaging over 12 lakh additional healthcare workers and administering 220 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses.

In terms of maternal health, India has made impressive strides, reducing Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) by 83% since the last reported year in 1990, thereby surpassing global trends. The Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR), which decreased by75%, is among other notable achievements.

TB control also saw major advancements as India reduced TB incidence rate to 195 per 1,00,000 population in 2023, far ahead of the global average.

To further bolster its healthcare workforce, NHM engaged over 12 lakh medical professionals during FY-2024. The expanded team includes physicians, specialists, nursing staff, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) and AYUSH doctors.

The mission played a pivotal role in India’s COVID-19 response through vaccination efforts resulting in more than 220 crore doses administered between January 2021 to March 2024.

India also witnessed substantial improvements in Maternal Child Health. The MMR dropped from 119 per lakh during 2013-14 and then reached the target of 97 in the year 2020.

Another key achievement was under disease elimination schemes, TB incidence decreased from 237 cases in 30,000 population to 195 with a 17% drop.

India's disease control measures continued with advancements made in controlling malaria which reduced by an impressive 13%.

In the field of research & development of new medical technologies and treatments; NHM has launched various initiatives including Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission whose target is to screen over 2.61 crore individuals before end-2047.

Alongside this growth, healthcare infrastructure expanded during FY-24 to ensure quality improvement in hospitals.

National Health Mission will continue providing care for the country's population focusing on key health targets and achieve Sustainable Development Goals ahead of deadline.