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National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)
In a nation where nearly 70% of the population resides in rural areas, ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare is not merely a goal but a fundamental necessity. This is why the Government of India launched the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), a transformative initiative, in 2005.
This programme recognises the unique challenges and healthcare disparities faced by rural communities. It seeks to provide healthcare in these underserved regions. The NRHM, now subsumed under the broader National Health Mission (NHM), aimed to bridge the healthcare gap between rural and urban India by adopting a multi-pronged approach.
By bolstering infrastructure, establishing a network of primary and community health centres, and upgrading existing facilities, the NRHM ensured that healthcare services were physically accessible to even the most remote villages.
Enhancing service delivery involves providing curative care and emphasising preventive and promotive aspects of health through vaccination drives, health education campaigns, and community engagement initiatives.
Moreover, the NRHM recognised the importance of empowering communities to take charge of their health, promoting awareness, and fostering participation in healthcare decision-making. This multifaceted strategy aimed to bring comprehensive healthcare within the reach of every rural dweller, ultimately improving health outcomes and quality of life for millions.
What is the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)?
The National Rural Health Mission, launched in 2005, is the Government of India's flagship programme for transforming the healthcare landscape in rural areas.
It was designed to address the disparities in health indicators between rural and urban populations by improving access to quality healthcare services, strengthening infrastructure, and empowering communities to take charge of their health.
The NRHM adopted a holistic approach, focusing on curative care and preventive and promotive aspects of health. It sought to reduce maternal and child mortality rates, control communicable and non-communicable diseases, and promote healthy lifestyles.
It was integrated with other national programmes, such as the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) programme and the National Disease Control Programme (NDCP), to maximise its impact.
Though the NRHM has now been subsumed under the broader National Health Mission, its legacy continues to shape rural healthcare in India.
Role of National Rural Health Mission
The National Rural Health Mission was pivotal in reshaping rural healthcare in India. It aimed to provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare services to the rural population, particularly vulnerable groups.
By establishing a decentralised health delivery system, the NRHM empowered communities and local bodies to effectively manage and implement health programmes. It focussed on strengthening infrastructure, improving service delivery, and enhancing the availability of skilled healthcare professionals in rural areas.
Additionally, the NRHM emphasised preventive and promotive healthcare, leading to improved health indicators and overall well-being in rural communities.
Objectives of the National Rural Health Mission
- Reduce maternal and infant mortality rates through antenatal/postnatal care and skilled deliveries.
- Combat communicable and non-communicable diseases with control programmes and awareness drives.
- Stabilise population growth via family planning and reproductive health services.
- Ensure universal access to quality healthcare by expanding PHCs, CHCs, and sub-centres.
- Develop human resources through training and deployment of skilled professionals.
Benefits of National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) Scheme
- Reduced maternal and infant mortality through focused services for women and children.
- Improved disease prevention via vaccination and education.
- Better management of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
- Strengthened infrastructure and medicine availability in rural areas.
Important features of the National Rural Health Mission Scheme
Easily Accessible Healthcare System
Healthcare infrastructure like PHCs, CHCs, and sub-centres are established across rural areas for easy accessibility.
Free Drugs and Diagnostics Service
Free access to essential medicines and diagnostic services at public facilities helps reduce financial barriers.
Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers
ASHA workers serve as the crucial link between the community and health systems, promoting awareness and facilitating access to services.
Fixed guidelines
Standardised guidelines ensure consistency in infrastructure, service protocols, and human resource management.
Rogi Kalyan Samiti/Hospital Management Society
Community-based management bodies that oversee public health facilities and ensure accountability.
Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram
Maternal and child healthcare sub-programme that supports institutional deliveries, breastfeeding, newborn care, and immunisation.
Health care service delivery
Enhanced service quality through capacity building, infrastructure upgrades, and outreach strategies.
Eligibility for National Rural Health Mission Scheme
The NRHM primarily targets rural residents, especially vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly. Specific eligibility may vary by scheme.
How to register for the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)
Registration is scheme-specific. For example:
- Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): Register during antenatal visits at PHC/CHC.
- Immunisation: Register at designated vaccination centres.
- RSBY (insurance): Enrol through local government offices or agents.
Contact your nearest health facility or visit the official NHM website for details.
FAQs - National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)
Why was the National Health Mission launched?
The National Health Mission (NHM) was launched in 2013, subsuming the NRHM and the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM). The primary goal was to consolidate and streamline various health programmes, ensuring a comprehensive and integrated healthcare delivery across rural and urban areas.
What are the main achievements of the National Rural Health Mission?
The NRHM achieved significant milestones in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, improving child health indicators, and curbing the spread of infectious diseases in rural areas. It strengthened healthcare infrastructure, expanded the network of healthcare facilities, and enhanced the availability of skilled healthcare professionals in rural communities.
I am a pregnant woman. Can I get benefits from NRHM?
Yes, pregnant women are a priority group under the NRHM (now NHM). Various schemes and programmes cater to maternal and child health, providing free or subsidised services such as antenatal care, institutional deliveries, postnatal care, and immunisation.
What is the toll-free number for the National Health Mission?
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare operates a national helpline number (1800-180-1104) for health-related queries and information.
Which ministry supervises the NRHM scheme?
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is responsible for the overall supervision and implementation of the NHM, which encompasses the erstwhile NRHM.
Who launched the NRHM scheme?
The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) was launched on 12th April 2005 by the then Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh. This landmark initiative aimed to address the healthcare disparities between rural and urban areas by providing accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to the rural population, focusing on vulnerable groups.