What happened

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has stated that it supports States and Union Territories under the National Health Mission through technical and financial assistance for stronger public healthcare and disease prevention. The ministry routes approval through Programme Implementation Plans and Record of Proceedings, subject to norms and available resources.

The release places Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, teleconsultation, free drugs, free diagnostics, ambulance services, mobile medical units, ASHA-based outreach, 24×7 services, first referral facilities, dialysis support, reproductive and child health, Anaemia Mukt Bharat, TB Mukt Bharat, universal immunization, and non-communicable disease care within the same primary healthcare framework.

Background and earlier position

India’s public health delivery has long depended on Sub Health Centres and Primary Health Centres at the first contact level, with referrals to higher facilities for advanced care. The National Health Mission has been the main umbrella for strengthening this network, especially in underserved areas and for preventive and promotive care.

The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases has focused on early diagnosis, referral, treatment, health promotion, and human-resource strengthening. The current release also links this programme with screening and management at the population level as part of comprehensive primary healthcare.

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