PIB Summary- 23th December, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Key Health Indicators reflect India’s Progress

Context

India has made significant strides in healthcare access and equity through initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and Mission Indradhanush, aiming for Universal Health Coverage.

These programs have improved health outcomes, including reduced mortality rates and enhanced immunization coverage.

Digital health infrastructure is also advancing rapidly.

India’s Commitment to Universal Health Coverage

• India has made significant progress in healthcare access, equity, and outcomes, with transformative policies aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
• The launch of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) has been a key milestone. The scheme offers health cover of Rs. 5 lakh per eligible family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalizations.
• As of December 17, 2024, over 28 crore Ayushman Cards have been issued.
• Women account for nearly 50% of the cardholders and hospital admissions, promoting gender equity in healthcare.
• AB PM-JAY has also empaneled 30,932 hospitals across India.

Advancements in Digital Health Infrastructure

• The Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) initiative has advanced India’s digital health infrastructure, enabling hassle-free access and sharing of health records.
• As of December 22, 2024, over 71.81 crore ABHA numbers have been generated, and 46.53 crore health records are linked with ABHA.
• Additionally, over 3.55 lakh health facilities and more than 5.38 lakh healthcare professionals have been registered on the Health Facility Registry (HFR) and Health Professional Registry (HPR),

Mission Indradhanush and Immunization Efforts

• Mission Indradhanush has expanded immunization under the Universal Immunization Programme, focusing on areas with low immunization rates.
• The campaign has successfully vaccinated 5.46 crore children and 1.32 crore pregnant women against preventable diseases.

Improvements in Key Health Indicators

• Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in India reduced from 103 per 100,000 live births (2017-2019) to 97 per 100,000 live births (2018-2020).
• Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) decreased from 32 per 1,000 live births (2018) to 28 per 1,000 live births (2020).

These improvements reflect the effectiveness of targeted healthcare interventions and policies aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes in India.