National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) Scheme in India

The requirement for healthcare services has been rising in recent times. However, the accessibility and expenses of such services have been a nightmare for the vulnerable population. Keeping this in mind, the Indian Government introduced NRHM (National Rural Health Mission) to provide high-quality and affordable healthcare facilities to the rural population.

Are you looking for easy-to-access healthcare benefits in rural settings? Then, stick with this article to find out all about NRHM and ways to utilise its facilities!

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What Is the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)?
Role of the National Rural Health Mission
Objectives of the National Rural Health Mission
Features of the National Rural Health Mission
Benefits of National Rural Health Mission
Eligibility for National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)?
Apply for the National Rural Health Mission
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)?

The former Prime Minister of India launched NRHM (National Rural Health Mission) in April 2005. There have been frequent complaints among Indian citizens regarding healthcare services and their availability, particularly in rural areas. The emphasis of NRHM is on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child Health and Adolescent (RMNCH+A) Services. It focuses on developing strategies to improve maternal health and child care.

Its long-term goal is to provide a fully-functional and decentralised health delivery system. It also aims to provide inter-sectoral convergence at all levels to ensure health determinants such as education, nutrition, sanitation, water, social equality, and others.

Role of the National Rural Health Mission

The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) is a vital healthcare instrument in rural India. It primary roles are:

NRHM’s objective is to ensure that even the most remote and disadvantaged regions can access basic medical services. This entails constructing new health facilities and upgrading the existing ones.
It invests in building and maintaining healthy infrastructure, ensuring that rural health centres are adequately resourced for medical needs.
Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), an army created by NRHM, bridge the gap between communities and healthcare systems to ensure that rural dwellers get timely necessary care.
To address this issue, the mission stresses community participation in planning health services at local levels to develop programs that meet people's various needs.
NRHM pursues holistic approaches to health by implementing its policies on integrated modern healthcare practices and traditional Indian systems of medicine.
It supports various national health programs aimed at controlling diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, ensuring that rural populations receive preventive and curative services.
For instance, the NRHM runs health education campaigns to boost awareness about important health issues, hygiene practices, immunisation, and the importance of regular checkups.

Overall, NRHM aims to establish a well-functioning health system that is accessible to everyone, cost-effective, and improves the overall well-being of people living in rural areas across India.

Objectives of the National Rural Health Mission

The primary objectives of NRHM focus on the overall government vision to help citizens access affordable healthcare facilities. Outcomes of NRHM have hardly changed with amendments to the 12th plan. Therefore, the following National Rural Health Mission objectives are primary to its long-term vision.

Reduction of MMR (Maternal Mortality Rate) and IMR (Infant Mortality Rate) to 100/1000 and 30/1000 live births, respectively
Decrease in Total Fertility Rate (TFR) to 2.1
Elimination of anaemia tendencies among women aged 15-49 years
Reduction of annual malaria mortality to 60%
Decrease in leprosy among 1/10000 population
Microfilaria prevalence reduction to less than 1%
Reduction in mortality and morbidity from diseases and injuries

In essence, the National Rural Health Mission aims to improve healthcare in rural areas by upgrading facilities, expanding services, and involving local communities to ensure better health for everyone.

Features of the National Rural Health Mission

NRHM was launched as the Government's commitment to improving the healthcare architecture at lower expenses. While analysing its features and benefits, one must understand what NRHM means to the Indian Government and its target citizenship.

Quality Healthcare and Service Delivery in Rural Areas

Some basic facilities of NRHM include providing a high-quality and accessible healthcare infrastructure for the vulnerable population in rural areas. Apart from the Empowered Action Group (EAG) States, it is also functional in most rural regions of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and the North Eastern States. In addition, it has added over 1.88 lakh other health human resources, including multi-skilled doctors, GDMOs (General Duties Medical Officers), ANMs (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife) and Staff Nurses.

Free Drugs and Diagnostics Service

The Free Drugs Service is a significant feature of the NRHM scheme. The Government allows additional 5% incentives over the allocated funding for drugs. When the Indian States/UTs meet certain specifications, they can utilise the benefits of the NHM-Free Drug Service Initiative. The NHM-Free Diagnostics Service Initiative, on the other hand, provides free diagnostic services to all eligible states within their resource envelope. This feature incorporates High Cost-low frequency diagnostic services, Lab technicians and equipment, Radiologists and other Human Resources.

Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs)

The first port of call for the marginalised population rests with the responsibility of the ASHAs. Keeping this in mind, the Indian Government has incorporated more than 9.5 Lakh ASHAs serving the roles of facilitators, mobilisers and providers as a part of the community-level care. Thus, most states have indulged in ASHA training of young candidates to develop higher-quality delivery, immunisation and maternal support.

Rogi Kalyan Samiti/Hospital Management Society

The members of this committee manage the hospital affairs and ensure better facilities for the target citizens under NRHM. The Government offers financial assistance to these committees to avoid dropping the quality of patient welfare. Rogi Kalyan Samitis, on the other hand, look after the community members in all District Hospitals (DHs), Sub-District Hospitals (SDHs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs).

The Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committee (VHSNC)

This feature enables NRHM to ensure community empowerment and sanitation at the grassroots levels. Representatives of Panchayati Raj, ASHA and other frontline workers comprise members of VHSNC. The Government provides untied grants of ₹10,000 annually for maintaining sanitation and nutritional requirements of the eligible citizens under NRHM.

Maternal and Infant Mortality Rates

The JSY (Janani Suraksha Yojana) under NRHM aims to reduce maternal mortality while encouraging them to undertake government facilities during their deliveries. This scheme offers cash assistance to eligible pregnant women when they give birth under NRHM. On the other hand, the JSSK (Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram) enables eligible women to avail themselves free of cost deliveries, even those having a caesarean section. Apart from free drugs and diagnostics, they also receive diets, blood provisions and transportations from this scheme.

National Mobile Medical Units (NMMUs) and National Ambulance Services (NAS)

Under NRHM, NMMUs are established in 333 out of 672 districts. These aim at enhancing the visibility of government healthcare facilities and thereby increase the awareness of the rural population regarding healthcare importance. In addition, NAS (National Ambulance Services) enables people to receive ambulance services by simply dialling 102 or 108.

Benefits of National Rural Health Mission

The role of NRHM is therefore evident from the discussion above. It aims at helping the Indian citizens, especially from the vulnerable population in the country's rural regions. In this regard, one might wonder about the specific benefits of this mission. These are as follows:

Rural people can receive high-quality health benefits and facilities from the mission.
The vulnerable population can now afford treatments for communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Awareness among rural people has increased, and they prioritise treating diseases instantly.
They are now aware of the adverse effects of tobacco consumption, and the rate of tobacco users has also reduced from before.
Funds generated from the Indian Government have helped improve services with greater facilities and equipment.
Maternal and infant mortality has reduced primarily because of the contributions of this mission.
All initiatives under NRHM, including ASHA, Rogi Kalyan Samiti, Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committee (VHSNC) and others, have given opportunities to higher employment.

In brief, the National Rural Health Mission offers benefits like improved healthcare services, better access to medical care, and stronger community health programs in rural areas.

Who is Eligible for National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)?

The vision of India’s National Rural Health Mission revolves around the vulnerable section of the Indian population. It serves the eight socio-economically backward states, including Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal. In addition, it focuses on the rural areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and the North Eastern States. Rural people who are permanent residents of these areas are eligible and free to avail themselves under NRHM. The target audience of this scheme mainly includes socially backward people in rural areas, unable to access proper healthcare services at an affordable budget.

How to Apply for the National Rural Health Mission?

There is no specific method of applying to the National Rural Health Mission. Individuals can enjoy its benefits if they are permanent residents of areas where NRHM is functional. However, you can visit the official portal of the National Health Mission and check out all options available before applying under NRHM. Here, you will find a toll-free helpline number, where you can call and ask for assistance. Moreover, you can also check your complaint status from the options available on this page.

It, therefore, goes without saying that the development of NRHM is a practical initiative of the Indian Government to uplift the vulnerable groups in terms of healthcare facilities. Proper utilisation of the benefits of this mission enables eligible people to access healthcare and nursing benefits without having to move to urban areas or spending a lump sum.

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FAQs about NRHM Scheme

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Who launched the National Rural Health Mission?

On April 12th, 2005, former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh introduced NRHM initially in 18 states, reportedly having weaker public health indicators.

What are the main achievements of the National Rural Health Mission?

Apart from several others, a significant achievement of NRHM includes maternal and infant mortality rates to 1/1000 and 25/1000 respectively in live births. It has also reduced TFR to 2.3.

What is the full form of NRHM?

The full form of NRHM is the National Rural Health Mission, which is a government initiative aimed at improving healthcare delivery across rural India.

When was the National Rural Health Mission established?

The National Rural Health Mission was established in April 2005 to address the healthcare needs of rural populations, particularly focusing on underserved areas.

Who are the beneficiaries of NRHM?

The beneficiaries of NRHM are primarily rural populations, with a special focus on women and children who often lack access to essential healthcare services and facilities.

What are the aims of NRHM?

The aims of NRHM include enhancing healthcare delivery in rural areas, reducing infant and maternal mortality rates, and ensuring that all individuals have access to necessary public health services.

Who is the founder of NRHM?

The National Rural Health Mission was launched by the Government of India, under the leadership of then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

What is the coverage of NRHM?

NRHM covers the entire rural population of India, with special emphasis on 18 high-focus states that have poor health indicators and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.

What are the successes of NRHM?

The successes of NRHM include significant improvements in maternal and child health, increased institutional deliveries, enhanced immunisation coverage, and strengthened healthcare infrastructure in rural areas.

What is the strategy of NRHM?

The strategy of NRHM involves decentralising healthcare delivery, strengthening health infrastructure, ensuring community participation, and improving health human resources through training and support.

What is the main goal of NRHM?

The main goal of NRHM is to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to the rural population, particularly the vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.

How many states are part of NRHM?

All states and union territories in India are part of the NRHM, with special attention given to 18 high-focus states with poor health indicators.

What is the role of NGOs in NRHM?

NGOs play a critical role in NRHM by partnering with the government to implement health programs, mobilise communities, provide healthcare services, and enhance public health awareness.

What are the health programmes under NRHM?

Health programmes under NRHM include the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) programme, National Disease Control Programmes, and initiatives for strengthening healthcare infrastructure and human resources.

What is the difference between NRHM and NHM?

NRHM focuses on improving healthcare in rural areas, whereas the National Health Mission (NHM) is a broader initiative that includes both NRHM and the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM), covering urban health issues as well.

Are ASHA workers under NRHM?

Yes, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers are a key component of NRHM, serving as community health workers who facilitate access to healthcare services in rural areas.

What is the toll-free number for the National Health Mission?

The toll-free number for the National Health Mission is 104, which provides health-related information and assistance.

Which ministry supervises the NRHM scheme?

The NRHM scheme is supervised by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

Why was the National Health Mission launched?

The National Health Mission was launched to improve healthcare delivery, reduce disparities in health outcomes, and achieve universal access to healthcare services across India.

What are the objectives of the National Rural Health Mission?

The objectives of the National Rural Health Mission are to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to rural populations; reduce infant and maternal mortality rates; improve healthcare infrastructure; ensure community participation in health programs; and integrate traditional health systems with modern healthcare practices.

What should rural families do if local healthcare services are limited?

If local healthcare services are limited, the rural families can buy an affordable health insurance policy, which allows the family to afford treatment in private hospitals without worrying about their financial situation.