This article outlines NHM’s achievements between 2021-2024, supported by government data, and highlights how these efforts are propelling India toward universal health coverage and global leadership in public health.
1. Strengthening Human Resources for Health
12 Lakh Additional Healthcare Workers Engaged
Between FY 2021-24, NHM engaged over 12 lakh additional healthcare workers, including ASHAs, ANMs, and contractual professionals. This expansion ensured the last-mile delivery of health services, particularly during the pandemic, and improved access to care in rural and tribal belts.
Key Impacts:
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Increased door-to-door care for immunization and non-communicable diseases.
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Boosted rural health surveillance and early detection of outbreaks.
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Reinforced emergency preparedness post-COVID-19.
2. COVID-19 Vaccination: A Global Benchmark
220 Crore Doses Administered
One of the greatest public health campaigns in history, India’s COVID-19 vaccination drive, administered over 220 crore doses under NHM by 2024.
Highlights:
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COWIN platform ensured real-time tracking, digital certificates, and equitable distribution.
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Frontline workers and elderly prioritized with phased rollouts.
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Vaccines like Covishield and Covaxin were developed and distributed with NHM logistics support.
Global Recognition:
India's vaccine drive was lauded by WHO and other global bodies as a model for efficient, large-scale public health mobilization.
3. Maternal and Child Health: Record Declines
Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) Declined by 83% Since 1990
India achieved an 83% reduction in MMR, surpassing the global average decline of 45% (Source: SRS Bulletin, 2023). This reflects robust antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care under NHM.
Under-5 Mortality Rate Declined by 75%
The Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) saw a 75% reduction since 1990, compared to the global average of 60%.
Contributing Programs:
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Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)
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Home-Based Newborn Care (HBNC)
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Mother and Child Tracking System (MCTS)
4. Tuberculosis Control: Sustained Momentum
Incidence Down from 237 (2015) to 195 (2023)
Mortality Reduced from 28 to 22 per 1,00,000 Population
Under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, India intensified case finding, treatment adherence, and public engagement.
Ni-kshay Mitra Volunteers:
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1.56 lakh volunteers are supporting over 9.4 lakh TB patients.
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Community participation through nutritional and psychological support.
Digital Tools:
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Ni-kshay portal tracks TB patients nationwide and improves accountability.
5. Ayushman Arogya Mandir: India’s Primary Health Revolution
1.72 Lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs Established by FY 2023–24
These centers (formerly Health & Wellness Centres) now serve as comprehensive care hubs for preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative care under NHM.
Key Services:
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Chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension)
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Teleconsultations via eSanjeevani
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Point-of-care diagnostics
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Nutrition counseling
6. Disease Elimination Campaigns: Historic Victories
Sickle Cell Anemia: Over 2.61 Crore Individuals Screened
The National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission focused on tribal and endemic areas with a goal to eliminate the disease by 2047.
Measles-Rubella Campaign Achieves 97.98% Coverage
One of the world’s largest campaigns targeting children aged 9 months to 15 years reached near-universal coverage, significantly reducing disease burden and disability.
Kala Azar and Malaria: Near Elimination
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Kala Azar elimination targets met in multiple endemic states.
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Malaria mortality and case counts declined sharply due to early diagnosis, IRS, and LLIN distribution.
7. U-WIN Platform: Tracking Every Child’s Vaccination
U-WIN Pilot Launched Across India
Built on the success of CoWIN, U-WIN aims to digitize the entire immunization ecosystem:
Features:
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Tracks birth-to-teenage vaccination records
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Real-time alerts for due doses
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Paperless immunization cards
8. Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme
Over 4.53 Lakh Dialysis Patients Benefited in FY 2023-24
To address the growing burden of kidney disease, NHM rolled out free hemodialysis services under PPP models in district hospitals and CHCs.
Outcomes:
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Reduced out-of-pocket expenditure
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Early detection and referral through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
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Life-saving care for patients below poverty line
9. Public Health Infrastructure: The Backbone of NHM
NHM played a transformative role in upgrading India’s public health infrastructure:
Recent Milestones:
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New medical colleges added under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS).
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Expansion of ICU beds, oxygen plants, and diagnostics post-COVID.
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Digital Health ID rollout under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
10. NHM’s Role in Equity and Inclusion
Focus on Aspirational Districts and Tribal Regions
Health indicators in backward regions saw significant improvements due to:
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Mobile Medical Units
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Incentivized workforce deployment
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Nutrition and anemia-focused campaigns (e.g., Anemia Mukt Bharat)
Women and Adolescent Health:
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Weekly Iron Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS)
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Menstrual hygiene initiatives
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Adolescent-friendly health clinics
11. Community Engagement & IEC Campaigns
Massive awareness campaigns under NHM brought behavioral change in:
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Sanitation (linked to Swachh Bharat)
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Early breastfeeding and exclusive nutrition
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Mental health de-stigmatization via Tele-MANAS
Conclusion: India’s Health System on a New Trajectory
The achievements under the National Health Mission from 2021 to 2024 reflect a paradigm shift toward inclusive, equitable, and technology-driven healthcare. By targeting root causes, strengthening the health workforce, integrating digital solutions, and fostering public-private-community partnerships, NHM has laid the foundation for India’s goal of “Health for All”.
With India emerging as a global leader in vaccine development, health IT, and disease elimination, NHM will continue to play a central role in realizing Viksit Bharat @2047, a vision of a healthy, prosperous, and self-reliant India.