The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of having a robust public health infrastructure in place to deal with public health emergencies. To address this, the Indian government has announced PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with some Central Sector Components. The mission is aimed at filling the critical gaps in health infrastructure, surveillance, and health research across urban and rural areas.

 

The total financial outlay for the scheme period, which is from 2021-2022 to 2025-2026, is Rs 64180 crore, including both ME and PMU costs. Out of this, Rs 54204.78 crore is for the implementation of Centrally Sponsored Scheme Components and Rs 9339.78 crore for Central Sector Components.

 

The scheme has several components, including Rural Health and Wellness Centres, Urban Health and Wellness Centres, Block Public Health Units, Integrated Public Health Labs, and Critical Care Hospital Blocks. The operational guidelines and technical guidelines for the CSS components and District Integrated Public Health Laboratory and Critical Care Hospital Blocks have been disseminated to states and UTs for implementation.

 

Under the Central Sector Components, there are 12 central institutions as training and mentoring sites with 150-bedded Critical Care Hospitals. The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) will be strengthened, along with 5 new regional NCDC and 20 metropolitan health surveillance units. The Integrated Health Information Portal will be expanded to all states and UTs to connect all public health labs, and 17 new Public Health Units will be operationalized and 33 existing units will be strengthened.

 

In conclusion, the PM-ABHIM is a much-needed step towards strengthening the public health infrastructure in India to be better prepared for future pandemics and outbreaks. The scheme's components, ranging from rural and urban health centres to critical care hospital blocks, aim to ensure that the communities are self-reliant in managing such health crises. The Indian government's commitment to this mission is a positive step towards creating a healthier and more resilient India.

 

Image and reference: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare