Over the past three decades, India has made remarkable strides in healthcare, achieving milestones that have placed the nation ahead of global averages in key areas. At the heart of this progress lies the National Health Mission (NHM), a flagship initiative driving systemic reforms to make healthcare accessible, affordable, and effective. Now extended until 2026, the program has spearheaded numerous achievements that showcase India’s commitment to its health goals.

India has achieved a 75% reduction in the Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) since 1990, significantly outperforming the global decline of 60%. This remarkable achievement reflects the country’s proactive measures, including immunization drives, neonatal care, and outreach programs in rural areas. The reduction of 45 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2014 to 32 in 2020 highlights India’s ability to implement large-scale health interventions.

Equally impressive is the country’s success in combating maternal mortality. The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has dropped by 25% in recent years, from 130 per lakh live births in 2014-16 to 97 in 2018-20. This translates to an 83% decline since 1990, far surpassing the global reduction of 45%. With targeted schemes like Janani Suraksha Yojana and improved access to institutional deliveries, India is well on track to meet its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ahead of the 2030 deadline.

The fight against tuberculosis (TB) is a cornerstone of the NHM’s efforts. Under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), India has significantly reduced TB incidence, from 237 cases per 1,00,000 population in 2015 to 195 in 2023. The TB mortality rate has also seen a decline, dropping from 28 to 22 during this period. These gains align with India’s ambitious goal of eliminating TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global target.

However, the battle against malaria presents a mixed picture. While deaths from malaria decreased significantly in 2021 and 2022, the surveillance data from 2023 indicates a resurgence in cases, with a 28.91% increase compared to the previous year. This calls for renewed focus on malaria control programs, particularly in high-burden regions.

A key aspect of the NHM’s success is its emphasis on strengthening the healthcare workforce. In FY 2021-22 alone, 2.69 lakh additional healthcare workers were engaged under the NHM. This includes general duty medical officers, specialists, nurses, AYUSH practitioners, and public health managers, who are crucial in delivering quality care to underserved populations.

Moreover, the NHM has prioritized infrastructure development. As of March 2024, nearly 8,000 public health facilities were certified under the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS), with over 4,200 receiving national recognition. These certifications underscore the NHM’s commitment to maintaining high standards in healthcare delivery.

Additionally, the number of operational Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) centres has surged to 1,72,148 by the end of FY 2023-24, with 1,34,650 centres providing 12 essential healthcare services. This network forms the backbone of primary healthcare services, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.

Beyond general healthcare, the NHM has expanded its reach through specialized programs that address specific health challenges. The Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme (PMNDP) has been a game-changer for patients with chronic kidney disease. In FY 2023-24 alone, over 62.35 lakh hemodialysis sessions were provided to 4.53 lakh patients, offering a lifeline to those who cannot afford private care.

The National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission, launched in 2023, has screened over 2.61 crore individuals in tribal regions, aiming to eradicate this debilitating condition by 2047. These targeted interventions exemplify the NHM’s holistic approach to healthcare.

India’s efforts in family planning have yielded significant results. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has dropped from 2.3 in 2015 to 2.0 in 2020, reflecting the country’s success in promoting reproductive health awareness and access to contraception. This achievement not only alleviates the burden on healthcare systems but also contributes to sustainable population growth.

Despite these successes, challenges remain. The resurgence of malaria cases in 2023 serves as a reminder that disease surveillance and control efforts require constant vigilance. Similarly, the rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and hypertension poses a growing threat to public health.

The NHM’s extension until 2026 provides an opportunity to address these gaps. By leveraging digital health technologies, enhancing disease surveillance, and promoting preventive care, India can build on its achievements and create a resilient healthcare system.

One of the NHM’s core objectives is to bridge the urban-rural healthcare divide. Initiatives like the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) have focused on improving healthcare access in remote areas, ensuring that even the most vulnerable populations receive quality care. The deployment of mobile medical units, telemedicine services, and community health workers has played a pivotal role in achieving this goal.

The NHM’s success is also rooted in its robust governance framework. Regular progress reports, financial audits, and adherence to Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) recommendations ensure that resources are utilized efficiently. The program’s extension from 2021 to 2026 highlights the government’s commitment to building a transparent and accountable healthcare system.

As India moves forward, the NHM serves as a blueprint for achieving universal health coverage. Its focus on strengthening primary healthcare, enhancing human resources, and addressing both communicable and non-communicable diseases positions India as a global leader in public health.

The program’s emphasis on data-driven decision-making, community engagement, and intersectoral collaboration sets a benchmark for other nations. With sustained efforts, India can not only achieve its SDG targets but also inspire the world with its healthcare transformation.

The National Health Mission has been a cornerstone of India’s healthcare revolution, delivering tangible benefits to millions of citizens. From reducing infant and maternal mortality to combating diseases like tuberculosis and malaria, the NHM’s achievements are a testament to the power of collective action and political will.

As the nation continues its journey toward health equity, the NHM remains a ray of hope, proving that with the right policies and initiatives, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome. By building on this legacy, India can ensure a healthier, brighter future for generations to come.