Union Health Minister JP Nadda chaired the ninth Mission Steering Group (MSG) meeting of the National Health Mission (NHM) on 5th of March at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The meeting was attended by Union Ministers of State for Health & Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav and Anupriya Patel, along with Suman K. Bery, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, and VK Paul, a member of NITI Aayog.
The Mission Steering Group serves as the highest decision-making body under National Health Mission, guiding policies and governance in the healthcare sector. The meeting brought together senior officials from various ministries, including Health & Family Welfare, AYUSH, Drinking Water & Sanitation, Panchayati Raj, Development of the North Eastern Region, and departments such as Women & Child Development, Social Justice & Empowerment, Education, Housing & Urban Affairs, and Expenditure. Additionally, representatives from NHSRC, NITI Aayog, and Health Secretaries from high-focus states like Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura were present.
During his address, Nadda acknowledged National Health Mission’s achievements and recognized the crucial role of the MSG in implementing key healthcare initiatives. He emphasized the need to effectively translate policies into actionable programs at the grassroots level. Highlighting the significance of Chief Medical Officers (CMOs), he called for strengthening their capacities through enhanced training and skill development to ensure better execution of healthcare schemes.
He also praised ASHA workers, calling them the “backbone” of the healthcare system, and emphasized their welfare through improved incentives and honorariums for their routine work. Further, Nadda highlighted the advancements in healthcare infrastructure and the introduction of innovative technologies such as BHISHM cubes (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri), while also stressing the importance of maintaining quality standards.
The meeting reviewed National Health Mission’s progress over recent years and set future goals for healthcare missions. For the first time, the Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) was included in the MSG discussions. Presentations covered achievements and upcoming targets, focusing on improving healthcare accessibility, strengthening digital connectivity in Ayushman Arogya Mandirs for better teleconsultation services, and integrating AYUSH interventions to address obesity.
The discussions also covered essential policy frameworks, operational strategies, and financial planning to improve healthcare services. The primary focus remained on achieving universal access to affordable and quality healthcare, reducing maternal and child mortality rates, stabilizing population growth, and maintaining gender and demographic balance.
Nadda concluded by stating that the outcomes of the meeting would enhance healthcare service delivery and drive meaningful changes at the grassroots level. He assured that feedback and recommendations from the meeting would be incorporated into future healthcare strategies.
