(a) whether the Government had convened a meeting of Health Ministers from States on November 2, 2004 to build a consensus on the proposed National Rural Health Mission that focuses on population stablisation;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps the Government has taken/proposes to take thereon?
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. ANBUMANI RAMADOSS)
(a)to(c): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 206 FOR 15TH DECEMBER, 2004
(a)&(b) Yes, Sir, a Consultation was organized to discuss the strategy of the proposed National Rural Health Mission,
under the Chairmanship of the Union Health Minister, on 2nd November, 2004, with 22 States, of which 12 were represented
at the level of Minister. The interventions proposed under the Mission were discussed, especially relating to a new cadre
of voluntary female Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) at village levels; strengthening of the Sub-Centre, PHC
and CHC; provision of flexible funds at Sub-Centre level to address the unmet needs; operationalization of First Referral
Units; merger of vertical Funds & Societies of the Departments of Health and Family Welfare at all levels; improved
programme management capacities; establishment of State Rural Health Mission (SRHM) under the Chairpersonship of the
Chief Minster; and creation of the District Rural Health Mission. There was agreement on the broad strategies of
the Mission. However, the States requested for greater flexibility to work out the details of State specific
interventions, within the overall policy guidelines. There were also requests for enhanced funding for rural primary
health infrastructure under the Mission.
(c) The proposal to launch the National Rural Health Mission is under the consideration of the Government. The
recommendations of the States have been factored into the proposal.