Question : NATIONAL HEALTH MISSION

(a) whether the Government proposes to start a new National Health Mission (NHM) that combines the National Rural Health Mission and the proposed Urban Mission;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the details of the guidelines/norms formulated by the Government for implementation and operation of the NHM both in urban and rural areas of the country;

(d) the details of the funds allocated for urban and rural areas separately during the 12th Plan period under this Mission, State/ UT-wise; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government to have a dedicated health delivery mechanism for urban as well as rural poor?

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a) & (b): National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) has been approved by the Cabinet on 1st May 2013 as a sub-mission of the National Health Mission (NHM). NUHM would cover all State capitals, all district headquarters and other cities / towns with a population of more than 50000. It would focus on primary health care needs of urban population particularly slum dwellers and other marginalized groups like rickshaw puller, street vendors, railway and bus station coolies, homeless people, street children, construction site workers, migrant workers etc.

(c): Key features and strategies of “Framework for Implementation” in respect of NRHM and NUHM are enclosed at Annexure-I & Annexure-II respectively.

(d): As per the 12th Plan document, out of total allocation of Rs. 184806.27 crore allocated for the National Health Mission (NHM) for the 12th Five Year Plan, Rs. 15143.00 crore has been earmarked for National Urban Health Mission (NUHM). State/UT wise allocation for the 12th Plan period has not been made.

(e): Public health is a State subject. Government supports states to strengthen their health systems for catering to health care needs of the population, particularly the poor. However, government has not set up dedicated health delivery mechanism just for urban and rural poor.