The National Rural Health Mission NRHM initiative was launched by the Indian Government in 2005 to improve healthcare access in rural areas. The mission is transformative in delivering affordable, quality care to underprivileged populations.
This article highlights the key objectives, benefits, features and registration process of the NRHM, demonstrating how the scheme strengthens rural healthcare infrastructure and ensures access to better medical services for the population.
What is the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)?
The NRHM or National Rural Health Mission is the Indian government's flagship program for addressing health disparities in rural areas. The NRHM policy operates under the National Health Mission (NHM). It focuses on strengthening health systems, ensuring maternal and child care and addressing major diseases through community-based interventions.
The rural health mission is pivotal in bringing healthcare to the rural Indian population by empowering local governance, hiring Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and improving infrastructure.
Objectives of the National Rural Health Mission
The rural health mission was created to deliver equitable, affordable, quality healthcare services to rural populations. The primary objectives include:
- Reducing infant and maternal mortality rates with better prenatal and postnatal care.
- Ensuring universal access to public healthcare by upgrading sub-centres and primary health centres.
- Controlling communicable and non-communicable diseases through immunisation and awareness programs.
- Strengthening preventive healthcare with a focus on hygiene, sanitation and nutrition.
- Promoting holistic healthcare by integrating Ayurveda, Yoga and other traditional systems.
- Encouraging decentralisation for better local control.
Benefits of NRHM scheme
The National Rural Health Mission scheme offers numerous advantages to rural communities in India. These include:
- Free healthcare services for pregnant women, infants and economically weaker individuals.
- Mobile medical units for remote villages that lack permanent medical facilities.
- Improved infrastructure in public health facilities and sub-centres for increased institutional deliveries.
- Widespread immunisation coverage for children under five.
- Free essential drugs and diagnostics are available in public health centres.
- Employment opportunities for rural women as ASHAs.
- Health insurance policy coverage for low-income families under schemes like Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY).
- Critical illness insurance support for severe medical conditions like cancer and heart conditions.
Features of the National Rural Health Mission scheme
The National Rural Health Mission scheme is built around some key features, including:
- Community participation: Local bodies and village health committees have decision-making power.
- ASHA Workers: Trained female health workers act as village health facilitators and educators.
- Decentralised planning: District-level health plans ensure resources are allocated based on local needs.
- Telemedicine services to connect rural patients with urban specialists.
- NRHM online application portal for easy registration and tracking of health services.
- Flexi-Pools: States get flexible funding for health infrastructure, HR and services.
- Integration with AYUSH: Promoting traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda alongside modern care.
Eligibility for the NRHM policy
To enjoy the benefits under the NRHM scheme, applicants must meet certain criteria, including:
- Residency: Must be a rural area resident as defined by the government with limited access to healthcare.
- Special categories: Pregnant women, infants, children under five and senior citizens.
- Income: Preference is given to economically weaker families living below the poverty line.
- People suffering from communicable and lifestyle diseases in rural zones.
- The scheme also supports tribal populations and regions with historically poor health indicators, ensuring inclusive development.
How to register for the National Rural Health Mission scheme?
Applying for the NRHM is simple through the National Health Mission online apply process. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Visit the nearest health centre, Primary Health Centre (PHC) or the official NHM/NRHM portal.
- Contact the local ASHA worker who helps facilitate the registration process.
- Fill in personal and family details.
- Upload the necessary documents such as proof of residence, income certificate and health history if needed.
- Apply and note the reference number for tracking.
FAQs
- Is NRHM only for rural areas?
The rural health mission specifically targets villages and semi-urban regions with limited medical access.
- Can I apply offline for NRHM?
Applications can be submitted at local health centres or through ASHA workers.
- Does NRHM cover health insurance?
Yes, it includes health insurance policy components for eligible beneficiaries.
- What is the role of ASHA workers?
ASHAs facilitate immunisation drives, maternal care and health awareness campaigns.
Conclusion
The National Rural Health Mission has significantly improved India's rural healthcare. Through providing affordable, accessible and quality medical services, the scheme has bridged the healthcare gap dividing urban and rural populations. However, while the scheme provides essential support, it's equally important for individuals to consider investing in a personal health insurance policy, such as critical illness insurance, for added financial security. Such policies cover high-cost treatments for serious conditions like cancer, heart disease and stroke, offering peace of mind and protecting families from unexpected medical expenses.