Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission.

Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission.

Overview
This initiative represents one of India's largest pan-national efforts to bolster healthcare infrastructure, complementing the existing National Health Mission (NHM). It emphasizes strengthening healthcare facilities in rural and urban areas, improving critical care, and enhancing disease surveillance systems.

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Key Features

1. Healthcare Expansion:
   • 17,788 rural Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) in 10 high-focus states.
   • 11,024 urban HWCs across India.
2. Critical Care Services:
   • District-level critical care hospital blocks in districts with populations exceeding 5 lakh.
   • Referral-based critical care in smaller districts.
3. Infrastructure Enhancements:
   • Establishment of:
     • National Institution for One Health.
     • 4 new National Institutes for Virology.
     • WHO Regional Research Platform for South-East Asia.
     • 9 biosafety level-III laboratories.
     • 5 new Regional National Centres for Disease Control (NCDC).
4. Disease Surveillance System:
   • IT-enabled surveillance via a connected network of laboratories (block, district, regional, and national).
   • Expansion of the Integrated Health Information Portal (IHIP) across all states and UTs.

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Objectives

1. Build a robust public health infrastructure to address emergencies and disease outbreaks effectively.
2. Enhance access to healthcare in marginalized and underserved areas.
3. Establish a comprehensive disease surveillance system for timely detection and response.

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Significance

1. Bridging Gaps in Access:
   • A 2019 Lokniti-CSDS study revealed disparities in healthcare availability:
     • 65% in rural areas vs. 87% in urban areas.
2. Complementary Impact:
   • Builds upon other successful programs like:
     • Swachh Bharat Mission, Jal Jeevan Mission, Ujjwala Yojana, Poshan Abhiyan, Mission Indradhanush, and Ayushman Bharat Yojana.
   • Empowers marginalized communities by providing accessible and affordable healthcare.
3. Preventive and Emergency Readiness:
   • Improved disease surveillance and critical care facilities ensure better preparedness for health emergencies.

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Other Related Initiatives

• PM Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Scheme: Focuses on self-reliance in healthcare infrastructure.
• Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana: Strengthens tertiary healthcare services.
• Jan Aushadhi Yojana: Ensures availability of affordable medicines.

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Key Takeaways
The initiative signifies a transformative approach to healthcare in India by bridging rural-urban divides, enhancing critical care, and establishing a comprehensive disease surveillance system. It complements existing health programs, empowering citizens with accessible, equitable, and robust healthcare infrastructure.

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