“For the first-time health is being linked with the agenda of development under a holistic approach undertaken by the Union Government. The pandemic period has provided us with an opportunity to strengthen our healthcare infrastructure and delivery systems,” said Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya as he chaired the eighth meeting of Mission Steering Group (MSG) of National Health Mission on Thursday.

Highlighting the achievements under NHM, Mandaviya stated that “Exceeding the target of 1.50 lakh Ayushman Bharat- Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWC) by 31 December 2022, more than 1.54 lakh Sub Health Centres and Primary Health Centres have been transformed as AB-HWCs. In sync with the approach of the National Health Policy 2017 (NHP 2017), AB-HWCs are providing comprehensive primary healthcare closer to the communities. As many as 12 health services packages are available free of charge.” He further stated that more than 135 crore footfall has been witnessed at the HWCs.

The Minister stressed that while we need to understand global healthcare systems and their best practices, “India can have its own healthcare model which would be aligned to its regional requirements, and customized to the local strengths and challenges”. Moving with the philosophy of Antyodaya, the Government aspires to provide affordable, accessible and quality healthcare services to each individual in every corner of the country, he emphasized.

The MSG was informed about the ‘Holistic Approach’ adopted by NHM encompassing change in programme design to respond to changing health care needs.