National health programs, its objectives, functioning and outcome
India has several national health programs that aim to improve the health of its citizens. These programs have different objectives and are designed to address specific health issues.
Some of the major national health programs in India are:
- National Health Mission (NHM): The NHM was launched in 2005 to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to all citizens. The program focuses on maternal and child health, family planning, immunization, and communicable diseases.
- Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY): Launched in 2018, this program aims to provide financial protection to around 100 million families by providing health insurance coverage of up to INR 5 lakhs per family per year. It also aims to create a network of health and wellness centers to provide comprehensive primary healthcare.
- National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP): The NTEP was launched in 1997 to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) from India by 2025. The program aims to detect and treat all TB patients, reduce the spread of TB, and improve the quality of TB care.
- National Vector Borne Disease Control Program (NVBDCP): The NVBDCP was launched in 2003 to control vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and lymphatic filariasis. The program aims to detect and treat cases, prevent the spread of the disease, and control the vector population.
- National Program for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCB&VI): The NPCB&VI was launched in 1976 to reduce the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment in India. The program aims to provide eye care services, prevent blindness, and rehabilitate visually impaired individuals.
The functioning of these programs involves a combination of strategies such as strengthening health systems, capacity building of healthcare workers, community engagement, and innovative approaches such as the use of technology.
The outcomes of these programs have been mixed. Some have been successful in achieving their objectives, while others have faced challenges in implementation and have not met their targets. For example, the NHM has improved maternal and child health outcomes, but there is still a high burden of communicable diseases. The AB-PMJAY has provided financial protection to many families, but there are concerns about the quality of healthcare provided. The NTEP has made significant progress in TB control, but there is still a long way to go to eliminate the disease. The NVBDCP has reduced the burden of malaria but is still grappling with dengue and chikungunya. The NPCB&VI has made progress in reducing blindness, but visual impairment remains a significant public health issue in India.
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