The National Health Mission (NHM) is a flagship health initiative by the Government of India launched in 2013. It aims to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services to the population, especially in rural and underserved areas.

1. Sub-Missions:
• National Rural Health Mission (NRHM): Focuses on improving healthcare delivery in rural areas.
• National Urban Health Mission (NUHM): Targets the health needs of urban populations, particularly slum dwellers.
2. Goals:
• Reduce maternal and infant mortality rates.
• Provide universal access to affordable healthcare services.
• Control and prevent communicable and non-communicable diseases.
• Strengthen health infrastructure and human resources.
3. Focus Areas:
• Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A): Holistic care from adolescence to pregnancy and childbirth.
• Communicable Diseases: Control of tuberculosis, malaria, HIV/AIDS, and other diseases.
• Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): Prevention and management of diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.
• Health System Strengthening: Building infrastructure, hiring staff, and providing training.
4. Programs and Schemes Under NHM:
• Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): Promotes institutional deliveries to reduce maternal mortality.
• Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK): Ensures child health screenings and early intervention services.
• ASHA Workers: Accredited Social Health Activists act as grassroots health workers.
• Ayushman Bharat: Includes the Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY).
5. Achievements:
• Significant reduction in maternal and infant mortality rates.
• Increased institutional deliveries and immunization coverage.
• Improved access to healthcare in remote areas through telemedicine and mobile medical units.
6. Challenges:
• Shortage of trained medical professionals in rural areas.
• Infrastructure gaps in primary healthcare centers.
• Inequities in access to healthcare across different states and regions.