India’s Healthcare Progress

On World Health Day 2025, with the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” India celebrates advancements in healthcare. The World Health Organization (WHO) initiated this observance in 1950 to promote global health awareness. India has made remarkable strides through initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and the National Health Mission (NHM). These efforts aim to improve maternal and child health, digital healthcare access, and public health infrastructure.

National Health Mission Achievements

The National Health Mission has been very important in enhancing public health outcomes. Recent statistics show a notable decline in India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR). From 130 per 100,000 live births in 2014-16, it fell to 97 in 2018-20. This represents improvement of 33 points. Over the last three decades, the MMR has decreased by 83%.

Infant and Child Health Improvements

India has also witnessed a reduction in the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) from 39 in 2014 to 28 in 2020. The Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) decreased from 26 to 20. Furthermore, the Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) dropped from 45 to 32 per 1,000 live births. These statistics reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing child healthcare.

Maternal Health Initiatives

Several initiatives target maternal health. The Maternal Death Surveillance and Response (MDSR) program identifies causes of maternal deaths. It aims to improve obstetric care through corrective actions. Additionally, the Mother and Child Protection (MCP) Card and Safe Motherhood Booklet educate pregnant women on nutrition and institutional deliveries.

Digital Health Innovations

The Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Portal is a digital platform that tracks pregnant women and newborns. It ensures timely antenatal and postnatal care. The Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) initiative focuses on testing and treating anaemia among adolescents and pregnant women.

Ayushman Bharat Scheme

As of April 5, 2025, India has over 1.76 lakh active Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Health & Wellness Centres). These centres provide comprehensive primary healthcare. The initiative has conducted over 107.10 crore screenings for hypertension and 94.56 crore for diabetes.

Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission

The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) creates a unified digital health ecosystem. It connects patients, healthcare providers, and systems securely. As of early April 2025, over 76 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA) have been created. The ABDM has registered over 5.95 lakh verified healthcare professionals and linked more than 52 crore health records.

Malaria Elimination Progress

India has made progress in malaria elimination. The WHO World Malaria Report 2024 indicates a 69% drop in cases and a 68% reduction in deaths from 2017 to 2023. India now contributes only 0.8% of global malaria cases. Additionally, the country has successfully eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem, a milestone recognised by the WHO.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of digital health initiatives on public health outcomes in India.
2. Estimate the significance of the National Health Mission in reducing maternal and child mortality rates in India.
3. What are the key factors contributing to India’s malaria elimination success? Discuss with examples.
4. Point out the challenges faced by the Ayushman Bharat scheme in providing universal healthcare access.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of digital health initiatives on public health outcomes in India.

1. Digital health initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) enhance healthcare access through a unified platform.
2. Over 76 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA) facilitate secure patient-provider connections, improving health service delivery.
3. The Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Portal ensures timely monitoring of pregnant women and newborns, enhancing maternal and child care.
4. Digital screenings for hypertension (107.10 crore) and diabetes (94.56 crore) demonstrate increased preventive healthcare measures.
5. Challenges include digital literacy, infrastructure gaps, and data privacy concerns that may hinder the effectiveness of these initiatives.

2. Estimate the significance of the National Health Mission in reducing maternal and child mortality rates in India.

1. The National Health Mission (NHM) has been very important in decreasing the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) by 33 points from 2014-2020.
2. Over three decades, MMR in India has decreased by 83%, showcasing substantial improvements in maternal health care.
3. Initiatives like Maternal Death Surveillance and Response (MDSR) target the causes of maternal deaths, directly influencing mortality rates.
4. Enhanced access to institutional deliveries through education and resources has contributed to improved outcomes for mothers and infants.
5. Government focus on maternal health programs has led to decline in Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR).

3. What are the key factors contributing to India’s malaria elimination success? Discuss with examples.

1. India achieved a 69% reduction in malaria cases and a 68% decline in deaths between 2017 and 2023, indicating effective control measures.
2. Implementation of comprehensive vector control strategies, including insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying, has been crucial.
3. Increased surveillance and rapid response teams have improved the detection and treatment of malaria cases.
4. Community engagement and awareness campaigns have encourageed preventive practices among the population.
5. Recognition by WHO for eliminating Trachoma marks India’s commitment and effective public health policies in reducing infectious diseases.

4. Point out the challenges faced by the Ayushman Bharat scheme in providing universal healthcare access.

1. Despite over 1.76 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, geographic disparities limit access to healthcare services in rural areas.
2. Digital divide and low digital literacy hinder the effective use of digital health platforms among marginalized populations.
3. Limited awareness of the scheme and its benefits among the public reduces participation and utilization of services.
4. Infrastructure deficiencies and inadequate staffing in some health facilities affect the quality of care provided.
5. Financial sustainability and funding challenges may impact the long-term viability of the Ayushman Bharat scheme.