The NUHM (National Urban Health Mission) was launched by the Indian Union Cabinet on May 1, 2013, to address the need to provide quality healthcare services to the urban population, with a special emphasis on low-income groups. Under this scheme, the government intends to provide healthcare facilities at affordable prices to the urban poor and other vulnerable sections of society.
National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) focuses on providing essential healthcare services like maternal and child health, prevention and control of non-communicable and communicable diseases, access to clean water and sanitation facilities, and improving the overall quality of healthcare in urban areas. NUHM is a crucial step towards achieving the government's larger objective of universal health coverage and improving the health and well-being of all citizens. The NUHM covers all the towns and cities with a population of 50,000 and above.
What is the full form of NUHM?
NUHM stands for National Urban Health Mission. It is an initiative by the Government of India aimed at improving the healthcare infrastructure and services in urban areas, particularly for the urban poor and vulnerable populations.
National Urban Health Mission (NUHM): Overview
Given below is a brief overview of the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM):
Scheme name |
NUHM – National Urban Health Mission |
Year of launch |
2005 |
Objective |
To effectively address the health concerns of the urban poor population. |
Funding ratio |
Except for North-Eastern states including Sikkim, the funding ratio is 75:25. In special category states like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, it's 90:10. |
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Objectives of the NUHM
The following points give an overview of the prime objectives of National Urban Health Mission:
- To improve the health status of people living in urban areas.
- To provide comprehensive healthcare services that can meet the health needs of the urban poor.
- To reduce health inequalities.
- To strengthen health care systems and improve infrastructure.
- To address the shortage of health care professionals in urban areas.
Another government health insurance scheme that is available for people is the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). Check the PMJAY registration here.
Key features of the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM)
NUHM focuses on the provision of effective health care services to the urban poor population. Here’s a quick look at the key features of NUHM.
Features |
Specifications |
Network hospitals |
Tie-up with several hospitals across India to provide quality healthcare services |
Urban Social Health Activists (USHA) |
One USHA against 1,000-2,000 urban poor population, covering around 200-500 households. |
Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (AUM) |
About four to five ANMs are appointed in every primary healthcare service centre. |
Urban Community Health Centre (U-CHC) |
These are satellite hospitals, comprising 30-40 beds providing patient services. |
Community-based groups |
Encourages to create groups to provide different healthcare requirements. For example, Mahila Arogya Samiti promotes necessary health and hygiene practices for the eligible section of people. |
| Urban Primary Health Centre (U-PHC) |
Primary lab diagnosis, outpatient department (OPD) consultation, health education and counselling for communicable and non-communicable diseases, drug dispensing etc. |
| Convergence for communicable and non-communicable diseases | The NUHM offers integrated solutions for both communicable and non-communicable diseases, including HIV/AIDS, by emphasising coordinated planning at the municipal level. |
| Community-based groups | NUHM has several groups for serving different healthcare requirements in eligible communities. |
| MPLADS (Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme) | MLAs, MPs, and MCs receive area development funds through NUHM, which they can utilize to establish essential health facilities in urban areas as they see fit. |
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Key benefits of the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM)
Here are the key benefits of National Urban Health Mission:
- Promotion of preventive and curative health care services.
- Training of health care staff to strengthen health systems.
- Provision of free medication, diagnostics, and follow-ups.
- Home-based care services for elderly, disabled, and bedridden patients.
- Counselling services on health-related issues for women and children.
- Aims to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates by providing quality healthcare facilities to expectant mothers and newborns.
- Provides health care facilities to people living with diseases such as TB, HIV, and other communicable diseases.
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What is the role of National Urban Health Mission (NUHM)?
The National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) plays a major role in improving the healthcare facilities in urban areas. NUHM aims to provide accessible and affordable healthcare services to the urban population. It aims to strengthen public health systems and provide comprehensive primary healthcare services to the poor and underprivileged sections of society. NUHM also focuses on preventive measures to control the spread of communicable and non-communicable diseases. It is a key player in India's efforts to achieve universal health coverage, and its role is crucial in ensuring that all citizens have access to quality healthcare services and health insurance.
