In order to provide a better health care system in the country, the Indian government initiated the National Rural Health Mission.
Among some of the important initiatives that the central government of India took under United Progressive Alliance (UPA-1) was the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). It has improved access to health care in specific states and the country as a whole. From 2005 to 2010, the infant mortality rates have dropped from 58 to 47 fatalities per 100,000 live births for the country as a whole. Maternal mortality rates and total fertility rates have decreased.
Village infrastructure has improved along with an increase in health care workforce with the incorporation of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs). NRHM also includes control of vector-borne diseases, maternal and child health, leprosy, tuberculosis, blindness, vaccinations and more. The unique feature of the scheme is the flexibility provided to states and union territories to develop interventions specific for their areas. The backbone of NRHM is a health information system from which data has recently been made public. The graphics give a snapshot of the health situation and the trends in India. Despite the advancements, concerns remain as the improvements have not been uniform across the country and contingent upon state governments.
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Fair Observer's editorial policy.
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