The Union Cabinet reviewed the progress of the National Health Mission (NHM) on Wednesday, highlighting significant advancements in India’s public health sector over the past three years. According to the Cabinet, India is on course to meet its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in health well before the 2030 deadline. The NHM has played a pivotal role in this progress, addressing critical health challenges and strengthening the country’s healthcare infrastructure, the Cabinet was informed.
Over the last three years, the NHM has made remarkable strides in areas like maternal and child health, disease elimination, and healthcare infrastructure. This progress was particularly evident during the Covid-19 pandemic, where NHM’s efforts ensured more accessible and quality healthcare services nationwide. As a result, the Cabinet approved the continuation of the NHM for the next two years to further meet SDG health targets.
The NHM has significantly improved human resources in the healthcare sector. From 2.69 lakh additional healthcare workers in 2021-22, the number grew to 5.23 lakh in 2023-24, including community health officers. These efforts have notably enhanced healthcare delivery, especially at the grassroots level.
India has also seen impressive declines in maternal and child mortality rates. The maternal mortality ratio dropped by 25% since 2014-16, and the under-5 mortality rate has decreased by 75% since 1990, outpacing global reductions.
The NHM has also driven the elimination and control of diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, and kala-azar. Specialized health initiatives, such as the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, have further contributed to improved public health outcomes.