NHM stands for National Health Mission. It is a flagship program of the Indian government launched in 2013, which aims to improve the health status of people living in rural and remote areas of the country. The program is implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
The primary objective of NHM is to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to all, especially the underserved and marginalized populations of the country. It aims to achieve this by strengthening the healthcare delivery system at all levels, from primary healthcare centers to tertiary care hospitals.
The program focuses on six key areas: maternal health, child health, immunization, communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, and sanitation. It also includes initiatives like the Janani Suraksha Yojana, which provides cash incentives to pregnant women who opt for institutional delivery, and the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram, which aims to improve the health of children aged 0-18 years.
NHM has been instrumental in bringing about significant improvements in the health indicators of the country. It has played a crucial role in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, increasing immunization coverage, and strengthening the healthcare infrastructure. The program has also been successful in addressing the healthcare needs of marginalized populations, including women, children, and tribal communities.
Overall, NHM is a critical program that aims to make healthcare accessible and affordable for all, and it has contributed significantly to improving the health status of people in India.