Rural Health Mission

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RHM: Introduction - Mission Kickstart

  • National Rural Health Mission (NRHM).
  • Launched: 12th April 2005 (initially 2005-2012).
  • Vision: Achieve universal access to equitable, affordable, and quality healthcare for rural populations, especially vulnerable groups.
  • Core Aims:
    • Reduce Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) & Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR).
    • Ensure population stabilization.
    • Prevent & control communicable and non-communicable diseases.
    • Promote healthy lifestyles.
    • Mainstream AYUSH. National Rural Health Mission Logo

⭐ NRHM was launched to address health disparities in 18 high-focus states initially identified for concentrated efforts and resources allocation to improve health indicators significantly.

RHM: Key Strategies - Core Action Force

  • Core Workforce Pillars:
    • ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist): Community health volunteer; 1 per 1000 population (1 per 500 in tribal/hilly areas). Acts as a bridge.
    • ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife): Key provider for MCH & immunization at sub-centres.
    • MPW (Multi-Purpose Worker - Male/Female): Delivers preventive & promotive health services.
  • Key Strategic Interventions:
    • Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): Demand promotion for institutional deliveries via conditional cash transfer.

      ⭐ JSY is a 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality.

    • Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK): Entitlements for free services for pregnant women (delivery, C-section) & sick neonates (up to 30 days).
    • Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committee (VHSNC): Community platform for local health planning & monitoring.
    • Mobile Medical Units (MMUs): Outreach services for remote & underserved populations.
    • Rogi Kalyan Samiti (RKS): Patient welfare committees for improved hospital management.

RHM: Organisation - Structure & Support

  • Key Pillars & Support:
    • ASHA: Accredited Social Health Activist, community bridge.
    • Untied Funds: Flexible financing for local needs.
    • Rogi Kalyan Samitis (RKS): Hospital management committees.
    • JSSK: Entitlements for maternal and newborn health.

⭐ ASHA acts as a bridge between the community and the public health system; typically one ASHA per 1000 population.

RHM: Performance - Progress & Problems

IMR and U5MR Trends in Rural India Pre- and Post-NHM

Progress:

  • Significant ↓ in Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) & Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR).
  • ↑ Institutional deliveries.
  • ↑ Availability of ASHA workers, improving access to primary care.
  • Strengthened infrastructure & human resources in some areas.

Problems:

  • Persistent inter-state & intra-state disparities.
  • Gaps in infrastructure, equipment & drug supply.
  • Shortage of specialist doctors & skilled manpower in rural areas.
  • High out-of-pocket expenditure remains a concern.

ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) is a key community link under NRHM, with 1 ASHA per 1000 population (or per habitation in tribal/hilly areas).

RHM to NHM: Evolution - Mission Makeover

  • National Rural Health Mission (NRHM): Launched 12th April 2005.
    • Initial focus: Strengthening rural public health systems.
  • National Health Mission (NHM): Launched 2013.
    • Broadened scope from the initial NRHM.
    • Comprises two Sub-Missions:
      • NRHM (continuing for rural health).
      • National Urban Health Mission (NUHM): Launched 2013 for urban health needs.
  • Overall Aim: Achieve universal access to equitable, affordable, and quality healthcare services for all.

⭐ NHM, launched in 2013, integrated the existing NRHM and introduced NUHM, significantly expanding the national health agenda to include urban populations alongside rural areas_._

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • NRHM launched in April 2005 to enhance rural healthcare access and quality.
  • ASHA workers: crucial link between community and public health system.
  • Core strategy: Strengthening SCs, PHCs, CHCs and infrastructure.
  • JSSK ensures free, cashless services for pregnant women and sick newborns.
  • Mainstreaming AYUSH and Rogi Kalyan Samitis (RKS) for local health governance.
  • Special focus on EAG states, NE states, J&K, and Himachal Pradesh.
  • Subsumed under National Health Mission (NHM) in 2013, expanding scope.

Practice Questions: Rural Health Mission

Test your understanding with these related questions

Which of the following is NOT a duty of an ASHA worker?

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Flashcards: Rural Health Mission

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According to integrated vector mx program, _____ is the main method of vector control in rural areas.

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According to integrated vector mx program, _____ is the main method of vector control in rural areas.

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