The health of a nation’s citizens is a key indicator of its development. Recognizing this, the government plays a vital role in ensuring access to quality healthcare for all. In India, various initiatives and policies have been launched to protect and promote public health, especially for vulnerable and underserved communities.
One of the most significant efforts is the National Health Mission (NHM), launched in 2013. It combines the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) to improve healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural and urban poor areas. Through the establishment of Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs), the NHM aims to provide comprehensive primary healthcare services, including maternal and child health, non-communicable disease management, and basic diagnostics.
Another landmark program is Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). Launched in 2018, it provides health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. This scheme targets over 10 crore economically vulnerable families, reducing the financial burden of healthcare and improving access to critical medical services.
To address malnutrition and promote better health among children and mothers, the government launched POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) in 2018. This mission focuses on enhancing nutritional outcomes through a multisectoral approach, involving various ministries and the use of digital technology to monitor progress.
Cleanliness and hygiene are also crucial to public health. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, launched in 2014, aimed to eliminate open defecation and promote sanitation practices. By constructing millions of toilets and raising awareness about cleanliness, this mission has significantly contributed to the reduction of waterborne diseases and improved the overall health of the population.
In recent years, the digital transformation of healthcare has gained momentum through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). This initiative aims to provide every citizen with a digital health ID, enabling better tracking of medical records and enhancing the efficiency of healthcare delivery.
Furthermore, the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) continues to protect children and pregnant women from vaccine-preventable diseases. Through widespread vaccination drives and awareness campaigns, the government ensures the control and eradication of deadly diseases such as polio, measles, and tuberculosis.
In conclusion, the Indian government has implemented a variety of innovative and comprehensive initiatives to protect public health. These programs not only aim to provide affordable and quality healthcare but also address the root causes of poor health such as malnutrition, lack of sanitation, and insufficient healthcare infrastructure.