The Cabinet has given the green light for the continuation of the umbrella scheme, “Family Welfare and Other Health Interventions”, from 2017 to 2020. Fully funded by the Central Government, the scheme has an overall budget of about Rs. 2300 crore. There are several sub-schemes within this overarching programme, each developed with a specific goal in mind.
Understanding the Swastha Nagrik Abhiyan (SNA)
The National Health Policy of 2017 proposed the SNA with the primary aim of creating a sustainable social movement for health. The SNA intends to increase health awareness among Indian citizens, fostering healthy lifestyles and empowering individuals. This progressive initiative is designed around seven core areas, which include:
1. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan for sanitation and hygiene.
2. Encouragement of balanced diets and regular exercise.
3. Addressing issues related to tobacco, alcohol, and substance abuse.
4. Yatri Suraksha initiative, aimed at preventing casualties from rail and road accidents.
5. Nirbhaya Nari, an effort to combat gender violence.
6. Reduced workplace stress and increased safety measures.
7. Efforts to decrease both indoor and outdoor air pollution.
Role of Population Research Centres (PRCs)
In serving as a third-party evaluator of schemes on PRCs, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has established an extensive network of PRCs. These centres are mandated to provide research-based insights relative to Health and Family Welfare programs and policies at national and state levels.
Health Surveys and Health Research (HSHR)
The HSHR is responsible for data collection on population, health, and nutrition for India and its states. This is accomplished through periodic National Family Health Surveys, which offer valuable data for policy and programme development up to the district level.
Social Marketing of Contraceptives and Free Supply of Contraceptives
These two schemes focus on branding, packaging, marketing, and selling family planning products and services affordably to low-income groups. Additionally, they also provide free contraceptives, including condoms, Oral Contraceptive Pills, Pregnancy Test Kits, and others, to state populations.
| Scheme | Description |
|---|---|
| SNA | Promotes health awareness and lifestyle changes |
| PRCs | Third-party evaluator of schemes related to health |
| HSHR | Data collector for policy development |
| Social Marketing and Free Supply of Contraceptives | Offers affordable family planning products and free contraceptives |
The Impact of these Schemes
The combined efforts of these five schemes are integral to achieving the goals set out in the National Health Policy (NHP) 2017 and our international commitments like Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SNA scheme, in particular, aspires to improve the overall health-seeking behavior of the population through increased awareness and use of health services. Data collected from the HSHR keeps track of the progress of all health programmes run by the government, enabling timely adjustments when necessary. The availability and marketing of contraceptives promote better child and maternal health while assisting in efforts towards population stabilization.