Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Initiatives &

Achievements-2023
Posted On: 27 DEC 2023 11:34AM by PIB Delhi

1. Ayushman Bharat: Ayushman Bharat comprises of two components:

a. Ayushman Arogya Mandir

The first component pertains to creation of 1,50,000 Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs),
now renamed as Ayushman Arogya Mandir, by upgrading the Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and
rural and urban Primary Health Centres (PHCs), in both urban and rural areas, to bring health care
closer to the community. These centres aim to provide Comprehensive Primary Health Care
(CPHC), by expanding and strengthening the existing Reproductive & Child Health (RCH) and
Communicable Diseases services and by including services related to Non-Communicable
Diseases (common NCDs such as, Hypertension, Diabetes and three common cancers of Oral,
Breast and Cervix) and incrementally adding primary healthcare services for mental health, ENT,
Ophthalmology, Oral health, Geriatric and Palliative care and Trauma care as well as health
promotion and wellness activities like yoga. A few States/UTs have already started rolling out
these additional packages in a phased manner.

Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) through Ayushman Arogya Mandir – Ayushman
Bharat aims to holistically address health (covering preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative
and palliative care), at primary, secondary and tertiary level by adopting a continuum of care
approach. In the lifetime of an individual, the primary healthcare services cater to 80- 90% of the
healthcare needs for improved healthcare outcomes and quality of life of the population.

The Primary Health Care team ensures that community outreach and population enumeration are
done for individuals in their catchment area and screened for communicable diseases and non-
communicable diseases for early detection and timely referral for accurate diagnosis. The team
further ensures that treatment adherence and follow-up care are provided to the patients in the
community. The essential health services along with the provisioning of essential medicines and
diagnostics are provided closer to the community through these centres, as a step towards building
stronger and resilient primary healthcare systems which cater to the healthcare needs of the
population.

b)Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY:

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri - Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is the largest publicly funded health
assurance scheme in the world which provides health cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for
secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
Currently, 55 Crore individuals corresponding to 12 Crore families are covered under the scheme. Many
States/UTs implementing AB PM-JAY have further expanded the beneficiary base, at their own cost.
As of 20th December 2023, approximately 28.45 Crore Ayushman Cards have been created since the
inception of the scheme, out of which, approximately 9.38 crore Ayushman Cards have been created
during the current year 2023 (Jan -Dec 2023).
A total of 6.11 crore hospital admissions amounting to Rs. 78,188 crores have been authorized under the
scheme, of which 1.7 crore hospitals admissions worth over Rs. 25,000 crores have been authorized
during the year 2023 (Jan-Dec 2023).
A total of 26,901 hospitals including 11,813 private hospitals have been empanelled under AB PM-JAY to
provide healthcare services to scheme beneficiaries.
AB PM-JAY has ensured gender equity in access to healthcare services.
Women account for approximately 49% of the total Ayushman cards created and approximately 48% of
total authorized hospital admissions.

Ayushman Bhava initiative was launched by MoHFW for ensuring the saturation of various healthcare
schemes at the village level, ultimately reaching the last mile beneficiaries. It was launched by Hon’ble
President Smt. Droupadi Murmu on 13th September 2023.
This initiative encompasses a series of interventions, including ‘Aapke Dwar Ayushman 3.0’, ‘Ayushman
Sabhas’, ‘Ayushman Melas’, and the ultimate goal of elevating villages to the status of ‘Ayushman Gram’.
NHA launched ‘Aapke Dwar Ayushman’ (ADA 3.0) campaign on 17th September 2023 as part of
Ayushman Bhava campaign.
An Android based ‘Ayushman App’ has been launched by National Health Authority wherein self-
verification feature for beneficiaries has been enabled. The app has been developed using latest
technology and provided different modes of authentication i.e. face-auth, OTP, IRIS, and fingerprint for
Ayushman Card creation.
This ensures that any mobile device can be used for Ayushman card creation. As a result, as of 20th
December 2023, approximately 3.85 crore verification for Ayushman Card creation have been done during
Ayushman Bhava campaign.
Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra (VBSY) has been launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister on 15th November
2023.
The purpose of the Yatra is to raise awareness about the government's development policies and schemes
among the people, provide benefits of the scheme to eligible population and foster an atmosphere of trust
and collaboration.
Ayushman Card creation and delivery have been selected for the on-spot services to be offered during the
Yatra. As of 20th December 2023, a total of 96.03 lakh Ayushman Cards have been created during the
campaign.

1.1 Achievement and Service Delivery at Ayushman Arogya Mandir:

As reported by the States/UTs on the Ayushman Arogya Mandir Portal, 1,63,402 Ayushman Arogya
Mandir have been operationalized till 15th December, 2023.
As per the data update done by the States/UTs in Ayushman Arogya Mandir Portal, till date, 55.66 crore
screenings have been done for hypertension and 48.44 crore screenings done for diabetes. Similarly, these
functional Ayushman Arogya Mandir have done 32.80 crore screenings for oral cancer, 14.90 crore
screenings for cervical cancer in women and more than 10.04 screenings for breast cancer in women.
Further, as on 15th December, 2023, a total of 2.80 crore Yoga/wellness Sessions have been conducted in
operational Ayushman Arogya Mandir.
With the objective to provide quality health services to a patient residing in rural areas, Ayushman Arogya
Mandir have facility of tele- consultation, achieving a total of more than 17 crore teleconsultations so far.

2. Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra

lndia is a country that is constantly progressing and growing with 1.4 billion population both in rural
and urban areas. Since 2014, the Government of lndia has been committed to a model of development
that ensures no one is left behind, "Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas”. To
celebrate last 9 years’ achievements, in various fields across various schemes Government of lndia is
conducting a nationwide awareness campaign named as "Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra". The campaign
is designed to build on accomplishments of Government of lndia and usher in an era collective
participation where rural and urban communities can actively engage in the nation's development. A
60-days long Yatra is being organised covering all districts, Gram Panchayat and urban locations
across the country from 3rd week of November 2023 to January 2024.

The major objectives of Yatra include reaching the unreached especially the vulnerable population,
dissemination of information about the schemes through Mobile vans travelling across the country,
Enrolment of potential beneficiaries under various schemes and learning from citizens through
interaction with beneficiaries of government schemes by personal stories/experience sharing.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), has identified Schemes/programs to be showcased
during the course of the Yatra such as Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana as the
Flagship Scheme of MoHFW and national TB Elimination Programme for the campaign with
additional focus on Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission in Tribal Area. Further, Health Camps
are also being organised at the places of halt of the mobile van where in Screening and Referral for
Tuberculosis, Non-Communicable Diseases and Sickle Cell Disease, Nikshay Mitra Registration and
Consent under Nikshay Mitra, Seeding of Bank Accounts for Nikshay Poshan Yojna, Ayushman Card
creation and Physical Card distribution are conducted.

MoHFW has constituted a Central Co-ordination Committee along with senior officials being
nominated as State Nodal Officers to oversee the activities of Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra.Also, 169
District Health Nodal Officers from DGHS, Regional Offices of Health and Family Welfare
(RoHFW), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have been given a checklist to ensure that
requisite preparations have taken place and have also been requested to visit the district at least one
day prior to the start of Yatra.Control Room has also been established to support States. Sequence of
trainings and meetings have been conducted with the States to orient and monitor the progress on
regular basis. Data Entry Microsite has been developed by MoHFW to capture the data real time.

Till 30th November,2023 information pertaining to 12,774 Gram Panchayats have been received with
the total footfall of more than 18,24,582 people. 18,05,069 Ayushman Cards have been created and
3,20,872 Ayushman cards have been physically distributed. 5,91,491 people have been screened for
Tuberculosis, out of which more than 47,189 were referred to higher Public Health Facilities. 88,041
people have been screened for Sickle Cell Disease, out of which 3,995 were found to be positive and
referred to higher Public Health Facilities. Around 6,99,308 people were screened for Hypertension
and 6,52,101 people screened for Diabetes. More than 70,281 people were suspected to be positive for
Hypertension and more than 52,149 were suspected to be positive for Diabetes and more than 1,13,706
people were referred to higher Public Health Facilities.

3. National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme

On 16th January 2021, India launched the National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme. COVID
vaccination in the country commenced with vaccination to all Health Care Workers followed by
Front line Workers, population aged ≥60 years and has subsequently expanded to cover the
population aged 12 years and above. The Vaccination Programme is being guided by immaculate
planning based on a regular review of scientific and global test practices by National Expert Group
on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC). Since the start of the COVID Vaccination
drive, it has focused on taking decisions guided by science. Prioritizing our health workers, frontline
workers and other vulnerable populations in a phased manner has been an excellent way to scale up
the vaccination program. Vaccines are provided free of cost at all Government vaccination centres.

Under the National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, three vaccines namely Covaxin
manufactured by M/s Bharat Biotech International Limited, Covishield manufactured by M/s Serum
Institute of India and CorBEvax manufactured by M/s Biological E. have been made available at the
Government COVID-19 Vaccination Centres (CVCs). Additionally, Sputnik V vaccine developed by
Gamaleya Research Institute, Russia (imported by Dr Reddy’s Lab), DNA–based ZyCov-D by M/s
Cadila Healthcare Ltd., Covovax made by M/s Serum Institute of India, Gemcovac-19 and
Gemcovac-OM by M/s Gennova Biopharmaceutical Limited and India’s first intranasal vaccine i.e
iNCOVACC produced by M/s Bharat Biotech International Limited are available at private CVCs.

India was pioneer in developing and utilizing a digital platform – CoWIN (Winning over Covid)
which acted as a backbone for implementation of the entire vaccination programme. The CoWIN not
only proved to be a seamless digital delivery mechanism supporting the programme managers in
vaccination session planning at vaccination centre level, inventory management, tracking of every
unique vaccination event, line listing of due beneficiaries and coverage analysis etc., but also
provided the beneficiaries with easy prior registration, advance booking of vaccination appointments
as per each person’s preferences for the choice of vaccination centre, vaccination time slots and
 vaccine type, grievance redressal mechanism, availability of QR based individual digital certificates.
With the administration of 200 crore Covid vaccine doses across the country on 17th July 2022,
India achieved a significant milestone of administering over 100 crore doses of COVID vaccines to
its eligible adult population in just 9 months and another set of 100 crores vaccine doses have been
administered in the next 9 months, depicting sustainability. As on 21st December 2023, with 220.67
crore vaccine doses administered across the country, over 97% citizens have received the 1st dose of
COVID-19 vaccine while over 90% eligible citizens have received 2nd dose of the vaccine.
Additionally, 22.88 crore precaution doses have also been administered across the country among
the eligible adult population.

4. Immunization

• Introduction of third dose of fractional Inactivated Polio Virus (fIPV3): As recommended by the
National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI), the third dose of fIPV has been
included in the National Immunization schedule, effective from 1st January 2023. fIPV3 has to be
administered intradermally, along with the MR containing vaccine during 9-12 months of age. It
enhances the protective effects of the Polio vaccine.

• Polio Sub-National Immunization Day (SNID): India was declared Polio free Country in 2014 and
to mitigate the risk of Polio myelitis from being transmitted from neighboring countries, regular Polio
SNIDs are held in India. In the year 2023, 2 SNIDs have been conducted on 28th May 2023 and 10th
Dec 2023 in high-risk areas in 13 States/UTs and over 200 identified districts throughout the country.

• Intensified Mission Indradhanush 5.0: The Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 5.0 is a catch-
up vaccination campaign rolled out for children upto 5 years of age and pregnant women, who were left
out or dropped out of routine immunization. Three rounds of IMI 5.0 were held in the month of
August, September and October 2023, across all districts of the country with a special focus on Measles
Rubella Elimination goal.

Since 2014, 12 phases of Mission Indradhanush/IMI have been held across the country and so far 5.46
crore children and 1.32 crore pregnant women have been vaccinated.

• U-Win digital platform pilot

Following the success of Co-WIN digital platform, an online case-based tracking and reporting system for
the Universal Immunization Program, for both children and pregnant women was introduced in the month
of January 2023, in a pilot mode across 65 districts nationwide, for registration of every vaccination event.

• Measles Rubella Elimination

India is committed to Measles Rubella Elimination by December 2023. Robust MR surveillance across
the country is being carried out with an all-time high NMNR (Non-Measles Non-Rubella discard rate) of
5.5/1 lakh population. Outbreak Investigations and MR supplementary vaccination campaigns is being
carried out in various States/Districts where outbreaks have been reported to close the immunity gaps.

5. National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) Performance

With the goal of achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to TB by 2025, five years ahead of
the global targets of 2030, the Ministry implements the National TB Elimination Programme with the
following objectives:

Early diagnosis of TB patients, prompt treatment with quality-assured drugs and treatment regimens.
Engaging with the patients seeking care in the private sector.
Prevention strategies include contact tracing in high-risk/vulnerable populations.
Airborne infection control.
Multi-sectoral response for addressing social determinants.

Achievements in Key Programme Indicators over the last 9 years are as under:
 India pioneered a mathematical model for TB Burden Estimation, a first among nations, which shows
that India is progressing against the SDG goals at a far greater pace than the global average, with a
decline in TB incidence by 16% (as compared to the global decline of 10%) and a decline of 18% in TB
deaths (as compared to the global decline of 10%).

Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan was launched
by the Honorable President of India on September 9, 2022, with the objectives to provide additional
support to TB patients in order to improve treatment outcomes, augment community involvement and
leverage Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. As per the clarion call of the Hon’ble Prime
Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi at Delhi End TB Summit in March 2018 to eliminate TB by 2025,
five years ahead of Sustainable Development Goal, PMTBMBA initiative was launched to bring together
people from all backgrounds into a ‘Jan Andolan’ and escalate the progress toward TB elimination.

Achievements under Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMBA) (13.12.2023):

Ni-kshay Mitra registered: 111,749.

TB patients on treatment: 14.41 lakhs.
TB patients consented to receive community support: 10.15 lakhs.
Commitment by Ni-kshay Mitra for TB patients: 10.14 lakhs.
Among the renowned Ni-kshay Mitras, Hon’ble Governors/Lt. Governors of 26 State/UTs, Hon’ble Union
Ministers, Ministers of State, Chief Ministers, State Health Ministers of many State/UTs have come
forward to adopt TB patients. Many MLAs & local parishads have also become Ni-kshay Mitras. Around
17 Cabinet Secretariat officials and 23 MoHFW/CTD officials have also adopted TB patients.

1. TB Notifications: The overall notification of TB cases has improved by 64% over the last 9 years,
from 2014 to 2023. India notified 24.2 lakh TB cases in 2022 which was higher than the pre-
COVID level of 2019. In 2023, a total of 22.31 lakh TB patients have been notified till Nov 2023
(as on 01-12-2023). From 2015 onwards, the efforts to find all cases have resulted in over ~58%
increase in TB case notifications.
2. Private Sector Notification: With a focused and targeted engagement with the private sector
through interventions like Patient Provider Support Agency (PPSA), gazette notification for
mandatory notification of TB cases, incentives for notification of cases and collaborations with
professional bodies like IMA, IAP, FOGSI, etc., there has been an increase in private sector
notification by more than 7 times over the past 8 years. In 2022, the country was able to notify 7.33
lakh TB cases (highest ever) respectively accounting for 30% of total notifications. In 2023, till
Nov, 7.3 lakh patients were notified from the private sector (as on 01-12-2023) which contributed to
32% of total notifications. The programmatic collaborative efforts resulted in a 7 times increase in
cases reported from the private sector. The innovative private sector models have been global best
practices.
3. Introduction of newer anti-TB drugs – Bedaquiline, Delamanid: Shorter, safer oral Bedaquiline-
containing DR-TB regimens have been rolled out pan-India across all states and UTs. These drugs
are given to multi-drug-resistant TB patients with or without resistance to fluoroquinolones. In
2022, a total of 30,864 patients were initiated on the longer all-oral M/XDR-TB regimen and 27,431
patients were initiated on the shorter MDR/RR-TB regimen (Oral/Injection based). In 2023 till July,
39,186 patients have been diagnosed with MDR/RR and out of them 35,302 have been initiated on
treatment (as on 17-08-2023). Amongst these, 17,836 patients were initiated on shorter oral
MDR/RR-TB regimen (9-11 months) and 17,466 patients were initiated on longer M/XDR-TB
regimen (18-20 months).
4. TB Treatment Success Rate: Over the last 9 years, despite one-third of notifications coming from
the private sector, the programme was able to sustain a treatment success rate of above 80%. In
2021, the success rate had reached 84% and in 2022, it marginally increased to 85.5%. In 2023 (till
Nov), the success rate increased to 86.3%.
 5. Nikshay Poshan Yojana: Undernutrition is an important risk factor for TB, the Government
introduced a scheme of Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) in April 2018 for providing Rs 500/month as
DBT to support the nutrition of TB patients for the entire duration of treatment. Cumulatively, till
November-2023, NTEP has disbursed Rs 2617.44 Cr to 993 lakh TB patients.
6. Active Case Finding: For reaching out to missing TB patients, the Government has begun
systematic active TB case finding in high-risk groups. The programme has proactively conducted
house-to-house searches of TB cases among these vulnerable populations. This includes people
living with HIV, diabetics, undernourished, residential institutes like prisons, asylums, old age
homes, orphanages, tribal areas, and marginalized populations. This activity has resulted in the
diagnosis of an additional ~3 lakh TB cases since its inception.
7. Infrastructure Scale-Up: There has been a huge infrastructure scale-up of TB laboratory services.
Designated Microscopy Centers (DMCs) have increased by 80% (13583 in 2014 to 24449 in Nov
2023) over the past 9 years and 6196 new molecular diagnostic laboratories have been established
till now. The number of drug-resistant TB treatment centers has increased from 127 in 2014 to 792
in 2022.
8. Sub National disease-free certification: To monitor the trends of the TB Epidemic at the
State/UTs/District level, the ministry has introduced a novel initiative of estimating disease burden
through a methodology of community-level survey (Inverse sampling methodology) and tracking
drug sales data in the private sector and measuring the level of under-reporting to the programme.
Through this methodology, State/UTs/District level estimates of TB disease are derived and
measured against the baseline of 2015.

In the year 2020, the State of Kerala, UTs of Lakshadweep, Puducherry and 35 districts have
successfully achieved various levels of reduction in TB incidence. The UT of Lakshadweep and the
district of Budgam in J&K were declared as the first UT & the first district in the country to achieve
more than an 80% reduction in TB incidence. (SDG Targets).

In 2021, 3 States (Kerala, DNHDD & Puducherry) received Silver (>40% reduction) & 5 States
(Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Tripura, Ladakh) received Bronze (>20% reduction). Whereas 8
districts receive Gold (>60% reduction), 27 districts received Silver & 56 districts received bronze.

In 2022, Karnataka received Silver (>40% reduction) and Jammu & Kashmir received Bronze (>20%
reduction). Three districts were declared TB-free (>80% reduction), 17 districts received Gold (>60%
reduction), 35 districts received Silver and 48 districts received Bronze.

Summary of achievements:

Indicators 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Jan-
Nov

2023

TB 15.5 16.08 17.55 18.28 21.56 24.04 18.05 21.35 24.22 22.31
Notification

(Lakhs)

TB 1.06 1.84 3.3 3.83 5.42 6.78 5.59 6.89 7.33 7.3
Notification-
Private
Sector
(Lakhs)
 TB 81% 87% 78% 79% 81% 81% 82% 84% 85.5% 86.3%
Treatment
Success Rate

Nikshay - - - - 13.4 16.7 14.23 17.5 19.47 14.26*

Poshan
Yojana –

DBT (Lakhs)
(Beneficiaries
paid at least
one benefit)

Active Case - - - - 47307 62958 52273 73772 48953

Finding
17487
(Additional
Cases
diagnosed)

*-Till Nov 2023

Infrastructure 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

(as on
date)

Designated 13583 13886 13888 15307 16212 20356 21717 21820 23038 24449
Microscopy
Centers

Cartridge based 40 80 121 628 651 1135 3147 3760 5090

Nucleic Acid
6196
Amplification Test
(CBNAAT)/Truenat

6. National AIDS and STD Control Programme (Phase-V) :2023

Introduction

1. The Government of India is currently implementing the phase-V of the National AIDS and STD
Control Programme (NACP) as a Central Sector Scheme fully funded by the Government of India
from 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2026 with an outlay of Rs 15,471.94 Crore. The NACP phase-V
anchors the national AIDS and STD response in the country till 2025-26 towards the attainment of
the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3.3 of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic as a
public health threat through a comprehensive package of prevention, detection, and treatment
services.
2. NACP phase-V builds upon the game-changer initiatives undertaken during phase-IV including
HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Act (2017), test and treat Policy, universal viral load testing,
mission Sampark, community-based screening and transition to Dolutegravir-based treatment
regimen (Figure 1). NACP phase-V introduces newer strategies consolidating and augmenting the
gains to attain the stated goal by 2025-26.
Figure 1. Ten years of game changers (2014-2023)

Early Initiation on ART (Anti-Retroviral Therapy (CD4 <=500)

The HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act

Test and Treat

Routine Viral Load Testing

Launch of NACP Phase-V

Integrated Health Campaigns (HIV, Syphilis, Hep B. Hep C and TB)

2015

2018

2017

2022

2017

2023

B. Prevention of new HIV infections

3. The reduction of new HIV infections by 80% is the first goal of NACP phase-V. Continued and
augmented focus on high-risk groups, bridge population and ‘at-risk’ populations is the mainstay of
the NACP approach for the reduction of new HIV infections. Under the programme, approximately
14 to 15 lakh high-risk groups were covered in each of the first two years of NACP Phase-V. In
2023 till September, approximately 16.28 lakh high-risk groups have been covered through 1,540
targeted interventions (TI) and 153 Link Worker Schemes in the country (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Number of HRG population covered by TIs over years, 2017 to 2023 (till Sep)
 4. NACP phase-V calls for the universalization of the NACP interventions in prisons and other closed
settings (OCS) through a mix of service delivery models. HIV testing coverage among inmates in
prisons has increased from 1.4 lakh in 2017 to 10.2 lakh in 2022 (Figure 3). During 2023, NACP
interventions offering both HIV and TB services reached 1,527 institutions which includes 1,105
prisons and 422 OCS covering more than 10.8 lakh inmates and identifying 5,463 People Living
with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV). Most (91%) were put on treatment. Further, 797 TB cases were identified
and 788 (99%) were put on DOTS.

Figure 3. Number of Prisons and inmates covered over years, 2017 to 2023 (till Sep)

5. Sampoorna Suraksha Kendras (SSK) has been set up to provide services through a single window
model for the HIV-negative ‘at-risk’ population across the prevention-test-treat-care continuum to
keep them HIV-free. In 2022, the Sampoorna Suraksha Model has been piloted at 10 centres in three
States of the country. In the second phase, as on September 2023, the programme has expanded the
SSKs to 150 centres across the 20 States of the country.
6. NACP phase-V recognizes the need to reach out to newer population groups to further expand the
coverage of interventions, with a specific focus on the prevention of new HIV infections.
Accordingly, it calls to develop and scale up sustainable models for the ‘at-risk’ virtual population.
NACO has already released a White Paper on Virtual Interventions outlining the framework for
virtual interventions with a specific focus on ethics, confidentiality and data security while
indicating a potential mechanism for virtual outreach and service packages based on an extensive
literature search (Figure 4). Based on the White Paper, various models of interventions on virtual
platforms are being tested to further inform the programme.

Figure 4. Contours of virtual interventions

C. Reducing AIDS-related mortality

Reducing AIDS-related mortality by 80% is one of the five high-level goals of NACP phase-V. This would
require 95% of HIV-infected people to know their HIV status, 90% to be on ART and 86% to be virally
suppressed. NACP-V aims for accessible, affordable, and quality testing and treatment services as one of
the building blocks for the attainment of reductions in AIDS-related mortality.

7. In2022, around 6.02 Crore HIV tests were done under NACP (Figure 5). This included HIV testing
of around 2.27 Crore pregnant women. During 2023, till September, approximately 4.56 Crore HIV
tests have been undertaken in the programme through various models (Figure 5).

Figure 5. HIV testing (in lakh) over years, 2017 to 2023 (till Sep)

8. As on September 2023, around 17.46 lakh PLHIV are on anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment in the
country, including approximately around 1.06 lakh PLHIV taking ARV from private sector (Figure
6). This is around 1.35 lakh more than the on-ART PLHIV in December 2022. Transitions of
PLHIV on high-quality lifelong free Dolutegravir-based regimen, which fast-tracks viral load
suppression and significantly improves the quality of life, has been a key achievement under the
programme.

Figure 6. PLHIV on-ARV over years, 2017 to 2023 (as on Sep)

 9. To monitor and improve the quality of care for HIV-infected people, the Government of India
initiated free routine viral load test for PLHIV in February 2018. The number of viral load tests
under NACP is continuously increasing. In 2018, around 2.40 lakh viral load tests were done. In
2022, around 10.84 lakh viral load tests were done which is almost 4 times more than the tests done
in 2018 (Figure 7). During 2023, till September, around 8.74 lakh viral load testing has been done
completely through the laboratory networks under the Government Health System.

Figure 7. Routine viral load testing over years, 2017 to 2023 (till Sep)

Quality laboratory services are critical enablers to the national AIDS and STD response across the
prevention-detection-treatment cascade. The quality of laboratory services under NACP continues to be
high. In 2022-23, among the laboratories and HIV counselling and testing centres participating in the
quality assurance system, the discordance results were less than 0.05%. The six laboratories designated for
early infant diagnosis scored a perfect 100% in the panel testing with no discordance results.

10. The outcome of quality testing and treatment services being offered under the programme has been
significant. As on September 2023, almost 20.05 lakh PLHIV are aware of their HIV status in
comparison to the 16.99 lakh PLHIV in March 2019. The number of PLHIV on-ART increased
from 13.99 lakh in March 2019 to 17.46 lakh in September 2023. The proportion of PLHIV who
were on-ART and virally suppressed increased from 72% in 2018-19 to 93% in 2023-24.

D. Elimination of vertical transmission of HIV and syphilis

NACP phase-V calls for the attainment of the elimination of vertical transmission of HIV and Syphilis as
one of the five top-level goals. This would require 95% of pregnant women to be aware of their HIV and
Syphilis Status. During 2023, till September, almost 1.83 crore pregnant women have been already tested
and around 1.45 crore Syphilis tests were done among pregnant women in the same period (Figure 8).

Figure 8. HIV and Syphilis testing over years, 2017 to 2023 (till Sep)

11. NACP is further fine-tuning its strategic roadmap to fast-track the progress on the elimination of
vertical transmission. The strategic roadmap is being piloted in seven high-priority States. The
 learning from the pilot will inform the finalization of operations in line with the NACP phase-V
goals.

E. Universal access to quality management of sexually transmitted infections (STI)/ reproductive

tract infections (RTI) services

12. Sexually Transmitted Infections are indicative of ongoing unprotected high-risk sexual intercourse.
For areas where HIV infection is not well established, the high prevalence of STI is an early
warning of the epidemic potential of HIV from sexual transmission. Besides, one of the STIs,
Syphilis is of particular concern for maternal and child health given the commitment toward the
elimination of congenital syphilis.
13. Given the associations, the management of STI/RTI has been one of the focus areas under NACP
since its first phase. NACP phase-V has reinforced the focus on STI management by including it as
one of the five high-level goals. Goal 4 of the NACP phase-V calls for the promotion of universal
access to quality STI/RTI services to at-risk and vulnerable populations through a ten-pronged
strategy.
14. In the first six months of the third year of implementation, around 50.70 lakh clients were managed
for STI/RTI episodes under the programme. NACO is leveraging improved laboratory technologies
to enable equal access to integrated services for HIV and syphilis. NACP phase- V has adopted the
rapid dual test kit for HIV & Syphilis, with a specific framework on follow-up testing and treatment
algorithms, increasing testing uptake in a very cost-efficient manner.

F. Elimination of HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination

Building upon the gamechanger initiatives and in line with Government commitment to ‘Sabka Saath,
Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas’, NACP phase-V calls for the elimination of HIV/AIDS-
related stigma and discrimination as one of the five top-level goals.

15. The strategies adopted under the NACP have always kept the HRG and PLHIV at the centre of its
response. With the notification of the HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act 2017 and the
decriminalization of section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, the country has brought significant
structural changes to eliminate HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination.
16. The Government of India has notified the HIV and AIDS Policy for Establishments 2022 which
provides a framework to mitigate issues surrounding HIV and AIDS in a workplace setting and
encourages action on the part of the employer, employee, and establishments to eliminate HIV-
related stigma and discrimination. Additionally, nine Central Government Guidelines under the HIV
and AIDS (Prevention & Control) Act, 2017 have also been notified. Twenty-seven States/UT has
appointed an ombudsman at the State level who is responsible for handling cases of HIV-related
stigma and discrimination.

G. Newer initiatives

17. Tofast-track the progress on the targets set under phase V, several initiatives have been taken under
NACP in 2023 (Figure 9). The integrated campaigns (ISHTH: Integrated STI, HIV, TB and
Hepatitis) among inmates in prisons and other closed settings have been conducted in 3600 camps
and identified over 1500 HIV-positive cases, 2700 Hepatitis B-positive and around 8700 Hepatitis
C-positive inmates. The community-based integrated health campaigns (IHC) for HIV, Syphilis, TB,
and Hepatitis in the northeastern region, especially in the States of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and
Tripura, have been hugely successful. As a result of these campaigns, the progress on the proportion
of PLHIV who are aware of their HIV status has increased from 58% in March 2023 to 67% in
October 2023 in these three States, which is the highest jump since we started to track the progress
on 95-95-95 in 2017.

18. Following
the spirit of healthy lifestyle and wellness among the young population, the first-ever
RED RUNs were organized by SACSs. The objective of the RED RUN was to spread awareness
 through sports which can help the youth to keep themselves healthy and enable them to make
healthy life choices. Winners of the State level RED RUNs participated in the ‘National RED RUN
Finale’ (10 km run) in Goa in October 2023. The final event was a huge success and was attended
by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, the Hon’ble Health Minister of Goa, other important
dignitaries, communities, the public, winners of the State Level RED RUNs and officials of NACO
and all participating State AIDS Control Societies.
19. Social media strategy of NACO has been revamped and it has played a vital role in reaching out to a
larger group of audience specially the youth in a highly strategized and cost-effective manner. Since
last year, these focused campaigns has reached out to more than 13 million digital audiences. The
‘Ab Nahi Chalega’ campaign is nation’s efforts to focus on finding practical solutions to reduce
inequality and end the stigma associated with HIV under the overall umbrella of the HIV and AIDS
(Prevention and Control) Act, 2017.

Figure 9. Newer initiatives under NACP in 2023

H. Impact

20. As a result of strong political leadership, evidence-led policies and strategic implementations, the
national AIDS response has been highly successful. As per the latest HIV Estimates of the
Government of India, HIV prevalence in India continues to be low with an adult prevalence of
0.20% in 2022. The annual new HIV infections have declined by 42% between 2010 and 2022,
against the global average of 38%; and the AIDS-related mortalities have declined by 77%, against
the global average of 51%.

Figure 10. Trend of annual new HIV infection and annual AIDS related death
 7. Maternal Health

As per the Special Bulletin on MMR released by the Registrar General of India (RGI), the Maternal
Mortality Ratio (MMR) of India has improved further by a spectacular 6 points and now stands at 97/ lakh
live births. The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is defined as the number of maternal deaths during a
given time periodper100,000 live births.
As per the statistics derived from Sample Registration System (SRS), the country has witnessed a
progressive reduction in MMR from 130 in 2014-2016, 122 in 2015-17, 113 in 2016-18, 103 in 2017-19
and to 97 in 2018-20.Upon achieving this, India has accomplished the National Health Policy (NHP) target
forMMR of less than 100/lakh live births and is on the right track to achieve the SDG target of MMR less
than70/lakh live births by 2030.

The outstanding progress made in terms of the number of states which have achieved Sustainable
Development Goal (SDG) target, the number has now risen from six to eight leading with Kerala (19),
followed by Maharashtra (33), then Telangana (43) and Andhra Pradesh (45), subsequently Tamil Nadu
(54), Jharkhand(56), Gujarat(57) and lastly Karnataka (69).

a. Key highlights of NFHS-5(2019-21)-Maternal Health:

1st Trimester ANC Registration increased from 58.6% (NFHS-4) to 70% inNFHS-5
Institutional Deliveries increased from 78.9% (NFHS-4) to 88.6% in NFHS-5
Skilled Birth Attendant (SBA) attended deliveries increased from 81.4%(NFHS-4) to 89.4%inNFHS-5.

b. Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN): It aims to provide assured, dignified,

respectful and quality healthcare at no cost and zero tolerance for denial of services for
every woman and newborn visiting the public health facility to end all preventable
maternal and newborn deaths. Till 15th December 2023, 38,096 facilities have been
notified under SUMAN.
c. Maternal Perinatal Child Death Surveillance Response (MPCDSR) software was
launched by the Hon’ble Union health Minister of Health & Family Welfare in
September 2021. This was followed by the National ToT of the software in
October2021. Maternal Perinatal Child Death Surveillance Review (MPCDSR)
software has been roll out in all States/UTs since 2021-22.
d. Midwifery Educator Training: The Government of India has taken a policy decision
to roll out Midwifery Services in the country in order to improve the quality of care and
ensure respectful care to pregnant women and newborns. “A guideline on Midwifery
Services in India, 2018” was released during the Partners Forum held in December
2018 at New Delhi.

Resumption of Midwifery training: Training of Midwifery Educators (MEs) was halted due to the
pandemic, which was resumed in September 2021 at NMTI in Telangana.

Release of Scope of Practice: “Scope of Practice document for Mid wifery Educators (ME) and Nurse
Practitioner Midwife (NPM)” has been released in collaboration with the Indian Nursing Council (INC).It
acts as a guiding document for their education, regulation and ongoing professional development.
e. Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA): Since inception, more than
4.61crore antenatal check-ups have been conducted and 49.56 lakh high risk pregnancies have
been identified under PMSMA across States/ UTs till 15th December 2023.
f. LaQshya: It aims to improve the quality of care in Labour Room and Maternity Operation
Theatres to ensure that pregnant women receive respectful and quality care during delivery
and immediate postpartum. Till 30th November 2023, 873 Labour Rooms and 663 Maternity
 Operation Theatres are LaQshya certified at national level. During the FY2022-23, 185
Labour Rooms and 129 Maternity Operation Theatres are LaQshya certified at national level.
g. Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY):JSY is a safe motherhood intervention under the National
Health Mission (NRHM). Launched with the objective of reducing maternal and neonatal
mortality, the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) promotes institutional delivery among pregnant
women especially with weak socio-economic status i.e. women from Scheduled Castes,
Scheduled Tribes and BPL households.

Under JSY 43.35 lakhs beneficiaries received benefits during the period of April-September 2023
(Provisional data, FY 2023-24).

h. Guideline released:
In continuation to PMSMA initiative, Extended PMSMA strategy was launched in January 2022 to
ensure quality ANC to pregnant women, especially to high-risk pregnancy (HRP) women and individual
HRP tracking till a safe delivery is achieved by means of financial incentivization for the identified high
risk pregnant women and accompanying ASHA for extra 3 visits over and above the PMSMA visit.
Optimizing Postnatal Care guideline was launched in June 2023 which aims to strengthen the quality of
post-natal care by laying emphasis on detection of danger signs in mothers and Incentivization of ASHAs
for prompt detection, referral & treatment of such high risk postpartum mothers.

Child Health

i. Asper the latest report of Sample Registration System (SRS) released in October 2021
by the Registrar General of India (RGI), Infant Mortality Ratio (IMR) of India has
declined from 32 per 1000 live births for the year 2018 to 30 per 1000 live births for the
year 2019. 27 States/ UTs namely Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Kerala, A & N Islands,
Goa, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, Manipur, Delhi, D & N Haveli, Chandigarh, Tamil
Nadu, Maharashtra, Daman & Diu, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir
including Ladakh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Tripura, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh,
Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand have achieved National Health Policy Target
(28 per 1000 live births by 2019).

j. FacilityBased Newborn Care (FBNC) program: 1054 Special Newborn Care Units
(SNCUs) at District/ Medical College Level and - 2,774 Newborn Stabilization Units
(NBSUs) at the level of FRUs/ CHC levels are functional to provide services to sick
and small newborns. A total of 9.85 lakhs newborns received treatment in Special
Newborn Care Units (SNCUs) at District Hospitals and Medical Colleges (April-
November, 2023).
k. National Newborn Week is observed from 15th to 21st November every year to
reinforce the importance of newborn health as a key priority area and reiterates its
commitment at the highest level. In the year 2023 also, a National Workshop for the
National Newborn Week was organized by MoHFW on 17th November 2023. The
theme of National Newborn Week for this year is “Nurturing Newborn Lives through
Community – Facility Engagement”. National Newborn Week and SAANS Campaign
IEC posters were also released by MoHFW on this day for dissemination of
information and for triggering behaviour change and demand generation on newborn
health along with the release of various Child Health Guidelines (Integrated
Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illness, Facility Based Newborn Care &
Pediatric Centre of Excellence)

ax. MusQan - Quality improvement initiative of Child Health services: The Hon'ble Union
Minister of Health and Family Welfare launched “MusQan” initiative on 17th
September 2021 for ensuring child friendly services in Public Health facilities on the
occasion of World Patient Safety Day. The initiative will be focusing on improving the
quality parameters for ensuring safety and availability of infrastructure, equipment,
 supplies, skilled human resources, clinical protocols, evidence based practices etc. at
public health facilities. As on November 2023, total 58 facilities got national level
certification under MusQan.
a. Home Based Newborn Care (HBNC) program: A total of 1.47 crore newborns received
complete schedules of home visits by ASHAs whereas more than 8 lakhs identified sick newborns
were referred to health facilities by ASHAs during the period of 2022-23. F.Y. 2023-24 (Qtr.-1), a
total of 33.5 lakhs newborns were completed with scheduled visits by ASHA and out of which 1.95
lakhs newborns are identified as sick and referred to health facility under HBNC programme.

b). Home Based Care of Young Child (HBYC): In FY 2022-23, approval has been accorded for
690 Districts including all Aspirational Districts to implement HBYC across States/UTs except Goa.
More than 2.5 crores home visits conducted to young children (3 months-15 months) by ASHAs during
the year 2022-23. F.Y. 2023-24 (Qtr.-1) more than 81 lakhs home visits were conducted to children (3-
15 months) by ASHA under HBYC Programme. Further, in order to focus on quality home visit to
children under HBNC & HBYC programme with a on job hand holding support to ASHAs, a
supportive supervision handbook for ASHA Facilitators and ANM/MPW on HBNC and HBYC
programs has been provided followed by national orientation with all States/UTs.

m) Under Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF), 2023, approximately 11 crore

(provisional) children up to five years of age were provided with ORS and Zinc against the target of
13.37 crore children of the same age group. The data compilation for the IDCF/Diarrhoea prevention
activities for the year 2023 round is in process.

8. Nutrition

Mothers’ Absolute Affection (MAA) to improve breastfeeding coverage which includes early initiation
of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding for first six months followed by age-appropriate
complementary feeding practices through capacity building of frontline health workers and comprehensive
IEC campaigns. As per National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), the rates of Early Initiation of
Breastfeeding, Exclusive Breastfeeding for six months, and timely introduction of complementary foods at
6-8 Months are 41.8 per cent, 63.7 per cent and 45.9 per cent respectively.
National Deworming Day (NDD): Under NDD, albendazole tablets are administered in a single fixed
day approach via schools and anganwadi centres in two rounds (February and August) to reduce the soil
transmitted helminth (STH) infestation among all children and adolescents (1-19 years). For NDD 2023
February round, 24.21 crore children in the age group of 1-19 years were provided Albendazole tablets
against the target of 27.43 crore children of the same age group.

Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres (NRCs): There are 1129 Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres (NRCs)
operational across the country in 29 States/UTs. In FY 2023-24 (April - June 2023), 0.56 Lakhs children
suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) with medical complications were admitted and received
treatment in NRCs. .
Lactation Management Centres (LMCs): As of FY 2023-24 (April - June 2023) 53 Comprehensive
Lactation Management Centres (CLMCs) and 65 Lactation Management Units (LMUs) are supported
under NHM

Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) programme

The progress for the FY 2023-24 (April – September 2023) is as follows:

3.7 Crore children of age group 6-59 months were provided Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) syrup every month
4.2 Crore children of age group 5-9 years were provided IFA Pink tablets every month
5.2 Crore children of age group 10-19 years were provided IFA Blue tablets every month
1.5 Crore pregnant women and 80 lakh lactating women were provided 180 IFA Red tablets during
antenatal Care and Postnatal Care period respectively.

Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK): As reported by States/UTs in HMIS during April-
November, 2023,11.62 crores children have been screened by Mobile Health Teams. 41.26 Lakh newborn
have been screened at Delivery points under RBSK Program during April-November, 2023.
Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics (AFHCs): Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics (AFHCs) act as the
first level of contact of primary health care services with adolescents. The primary aim is provision of
counselling and clinical services to the visiting adolescent client. 64.8 lakh adolescents registered at
Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics (AFHCs) in FY 2023-24 till second quarter.

Weekly Iron Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) entails provision of weekly supervised IFA tablets to
in-school boys and girls and out-of-school girls for prevention of iron and folic acid deficiency. 5.8 crores
adolescents had been provided Weekly Iron Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) every month besides
Nutrition Health Education in FY 2023-24 till second quarter.

Scheme for Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene among Adolescent Girls: In the age group of 10-19 years
with specific reference to ensuring health for adolescent girls. The scheme aims to ensure that adolescent
girls have adequate knowledge and information about menstrual hygiene, use of sanitary napkins and
environmentally safe disposal mechanism. It also aims to ensure that high- quality and safe products are
made available to them. Around 32.1 lakh adolescent girls were provided sanitary napkins every month in
FY 2023-24 till second quarter.

Peer Educator program: aims to ensure that adolescents are benefitted from regular and sustained peer
education covering nutrition, sexual and reproductive health, conditions for non-communicable diseases
(NCDs), substance misuse, injuries and violence (including gender-based violence) and mental health.
Total 2.4 Lakh PEs were selected and a 1.3 lakh Adolescent Health and Wellness Days (AHWDs) were
held during FY 2023-22 till second quarter.

Ayushman Bharat School Health and Wellness:

School Health & Wellness Programme (launched in February 2020) is being implemented in government
and government aided schools in Districts (including most of the Aspirational Districts) of the country in
the first phase of the implementation.
Two teachers, preferably one male and one female, in every school, designated as “Health and Wellness
Ambassadors” (HWAs) shall be trained to transact health promotion and disease prevention information
on 11 thematic areas in the form of interesting joyful activities for one hour every week. School Health &
Wellness Programme (SH&WP) reached to 388 districts in 34 States/ UTs. Around 6.14 lakh Health and
wellness Ambassadors (HWAs) trained up to September ’23.

Social Awareness and Actions to Neutralize Pneumonia Successfully (SAANS): SAANS

Campaign has been rolled-out in the States/ UTs from 12th November, 2023 – 29th February
2024 with the aim to accelerate the action against Childhood Pneumonia by generating
awareness around protect, prevent and treatment aspects of Childhood Pneumonia and to
enhance early identification and care seeking behaviours among parents and caregivers.
Additionally, awareness generation, promotion and administration of Pneumococcal Vaccine
(PCV) has also been included under SAANS campaign for the year 2021.

9. Family Planning

Key highlights of NFHS-5 (2019-21):

o In NFHS-5(2019-21) 32 States/UTs have shown reduction in early marriages and 25 have shown
reduction in prevalence of teenage pregnancies as compared to NFHS-4.

o NFHS-5 (2019-21) has reflected those women aged 15-24 yrs who use hygienic methods of
protection during their menstrual period have increased to 77.3% from 57.6% (NFHS-4). 35 out of 36
States/ UTs have shown significant improvement in use of hygienic methods during menstruation.

Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has declined from 2.7 in NFHS 3 (2005-06) to 2.0 in NFHS 5 (2019-21)
which is below replacement level.
Out of 36 States/UTs, 31 States/UTs have achieved replacement TFR of 2.1 or less.
Modern Contraceptive usage has increased substantially from 48.5% from NFHS 3(2005-06) to 56.5%
in NFHS 5 (2019-21).
Unmet Need for Family Planning has declined from 12.8% in NFHS 3 (2005-06) to 9.4% in NFHS
5(2019-21)
NFHS 5 shows an overall positive shift towards spacing methods (increase in all spacing methods).

The performance of Family Planning services in FY 2023-24,up to Nov 2023

Total Sterilization: 13.05 Lakhs
Post-partum IUCD (PPIUCD): 21.90 Lakhs
PPIUCD acceptance rate (%) in public health facilities: 27.7 %.
Contraceptive Injectable MPA (Antara Program): 26.42 lakh doses have been administered
Centchroman (Chhaya): 75.79 Crore strips of Centchroman (Chhaya) have been distributed.

Mission Parivar Vikas:

The Government launched Mission Parivar Vikas (MPV) in 2016 for substantially increasing access to
family planning services in 146 high fertility Districts with Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 3 and above in
seven high focus States (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and
Assam). In November 2021, the Scheme was extended to remaining districts of the seven high focus
States and all districts of six North Eastern States (Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura,
Nagaland and Mizoram), where the modern contraceptive usage is low and unmet need for Family
Planning is high.

The performance Family Planning services of in MPV States in FY 2023-24 (Up to Nov)

Total number of Sterilizations: 4.23 lakh sterilization

Post-partum IUCD (PPIUCD): 12.62 lakh PPIUCD
PPIUCD acceptance rate (%) in public health facilities: 15.3 %
Contraceptive Injectable MPA (Antara Program): 16.69 lakh doses
Centchroman(Chhaya):51.43 lakh Strips of Centchroman (Chhaya) have been distributed.

10. Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC & PNDT):

As per Quarterly Progress Report (QPR) of June 2023, submitted by the States/UTs, total 82,281 bodies
have been registered under the PC& PNDT Act. So far, a total of 4,853 machines have been sealed and
seized for the violations of the law. A total of 3,563 court cases have been filed under the Act and 731
convictions have so far been secured, leading to suspension/cancellation of medical licenses of 145
doctors.NFHS-5 (2019-21) has also recorded improvement of 10 points in the sex ratio at birth at the
national level from 919 in NFHS-4 to 929. 23 States/UTs have shown improvement whereas 13
States/UTs show decline in sex ratio at birth.
A two day national capacity building workshop was conducted for State/UT Appropriate authorities and
State/UT PNDT nodal officers on 5th & 6th July 2023 followed by one day Training of Trainers (TOT)
on 8th July, 2023 for State/UT trainers.
National review meeting was held with all State/ UT health ministers under the chairpersonship of HFM in
Swasthya Chintan Shivir held on 14-15th July 2023 at Dehrandun.
29th meeting of Central Supervisory Board (CSB) under PC & PNDT Act, 1994 was held on 18 October,
2023under the chairpersonship of Hon’ble Union Health Minister on virtual platform.
Review meetings were conducted in all 36 States/UTs and implementation of PC&PNDT Act was
reviewed in all aspects.
Capacity building of District Appropriate Authorities and PNDT Nodal Officers was conducted in the
Delhi.

11. Mera Aspataal:

The government has launched the “Mera Aspataal/My Hospital” initiative to empower the patients by
seeking their views on Quality of experience in a public healthcare facility. Mera Aspataal/My Hospital is
a simple, and multi-lingual application that captures patient feedback in a very short time on the services
received from public hospitals. It works through multiple communication channels, including Short
Message Service (SMS), Outbound Dialling (OBD), a mobile application, and a web portal. The
application allows feedback to be consolidated, analysed, and disseminated on a frequently updated
dashboard. Analysed data is used to improve the quality of services in healthcare facilities. Thus, Mera
Aspataal allows patients to connect with the healthcare providers and policymakers and to have their
opinions heard and acted upon.

12. Kayakalp:

The government has launched the “Mera Aspataal/My Hospital” initiative to empower the patients by
seeking their views on Quality of experience in a public healthcare facility. Mera Aspataal/My Hospital is
a simple, and multi-lingual application that captures patient feedback in a very short time on the services
received from public hospitals. It works through multiple communication channels, including Short
Message Service (SMS), Outbound Dialling (OBD), a mobile application, and a web portal. The
application allows feedback to be consolidated, analysed, and disseminated on a frequently updated
dashboard. Analysed data is used to improve the quality of services in healthcare facilities. Thus, Mera
Aspataal allows patients to connect with the healthcare providers and policymakers and to have their
opinions heard and acted upon. At present 11,034 health facilities in 34 states and UTs are integrated with
“Mera Aspataal’.

13. eHealth inputs for Budget Speech

A. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission-ABDM:

The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission-ABDM (earlier known as National Digital Health Mission) was
launched with a vision to create a national digital health ecosystem that supports universal health
coverage in an efficient, accessible, inclusive, affordable, timely, and safe manner.

ABDM aims to enable the creation of longitudinal electronic health records across the health spectrum
for citizens, make healthcare accessible for citizens, reduce the cost of care and enable greater
efficiencies in health service delivery. The digital health ecosystem created by ABDM supports
continuity of care across primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare in a seamless manner. It ensures
availability of health care services through electronic means particularly in remote and rural areas where
generally as such specialist care may not be available.

Achievement of ABDM: As on 19th December, 2023,

(i) Ayushman Bharat health accounts created: 49.86 crore

(ii) Healthcare professionals are registered under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission: 2,58,217
(iii) Health facilities registered under ABDM: 2,25,968

B. National Telemedicine Service-eSanjeevani

National Telemedicine Service-eSanjeevani provides access to specialized medical healthcare across the
country by providing facility for doctor-to- doctor consultation and patient-to-doctor consultation. This
initiative aimed to make healthcare services more accessible, especially in rural and remote areas. It
enables people, including those in rural and underserved areas, to consult with healthcare professionals
without the need for physical travel to healthcare facilities. This initiative has also been instrumental in
expanding healthcare services to a broader population, reducing the gap in access to medical care, and
leveraging digital technology to provide healthcare services where they are needed most.

Achievement of eSanjeevani:

(i) eSanjeevani consultations rendered: more than 18.9 crore

(ii) it is operational in more than 1,33,000 Health & Wellness Centres and 27,000 hubs

C. Global Initiative on Digital Health:

Under India’s G 20 Presidency, India identified Digital Health as one of its key health priorities namely-
“Digital Health Innovation & Solutions to aid UHC & improve Healthcare Service Delivery” and
proposed the Global Initiative on Digital Health - a WHO Managed Network as an institutional framework
for the development of global digital health ecosystem. The GIDH was successfully launched on 19th
August, 2023 during the G20 Health Minister Meeting. It intends to create a ‘common platform’ to
converge global efforts for digital health and bridge the digital divide by promoting equitable access to
technological tools.

14. Medical Education

a) The historic National Medical Commission Act was passed by the Parliament in August, 2019.
Now, the National Medical Commission has been constituted with effect from 25th September, 2020 and
the years old MCI has been dissolved and the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 has been repealed. The
principal change in the regulatory mechanism is that the regulator will be primarily ‘selected’ rather than
‘elected’. The National Medical Commission will steer the reforms in medical education. This will include
increase in UG & PG seats along with improved access to quality and affordable medical education and
maintaining high ethical standards in medical profession, implementation of National Exit Test (NEXT) as
per NMC Act, 2019 for the medical graduates.

b) Considering high fees structure, NMC Act empowered the Commission to frame guidelines for
determination of fees and all other charges in respect of 50 percent of seats in private medical colleges and
deemed to be Universities, to make medical education affordable. Accordingly, the NMC has released
guidelines for mandatorily capping tuition fees for 50% MBBS and postgraduate medical seats in private
medical colleges and deemed to be universities.

c) There is an increase of 82% in medical colleges from 387 before 2014 to 706 (Govt.: 389, Pvt.: 317)
as of now. Further, there is an increase of 112% in MBBS seats from 51,348 before 2014 to 1,08,940 as of
now, there is also an increase of 127% in PG seats from 31,185 before 2014 to 70,674 as of now.

d) Under the Central Sponsored Scheme for establishment of new medical colleges, establishment of
157 medical colleges have been approved in three phases, of which 108 are functional and remaining will
be functional in a few years. Of these 157 colleges, 40 are coming up in the Aspirational Districts of the
country thereby addressing the issues of inequity in medical education.

e) Rationalization of Minimum Standards Requirements (MSR): The MSRs for establishment of

medical colleges have been streamlined. This will reduce the cost of establishment of new medical
colleges and increase intake capacity.

f) Two years post MBBS Diplomas by National Board of Examinations: Keeping in view the
importance of Diploma courses to meet the shortfall of postgraduate students and augment healthcare in
remote parts of the country, the National Board of Examinations (NBE) has launched diplomas in eight
disciplines namely - Anaesthesia, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Pediatrics, ENT, Ophthalmology, Family
Medicine, Tuberculosis & Chest Diseases and Medical Radiodiagnosis.

g) District Residency Programme (DRP) has been implemented for the students in the third or fourth or
fifth semester of Post Graduate Programme. Colleges may apply for proportionate increase of seats,
keeping in view that one resident has to be away for 3 months out of total 36 months of training, which
means that proportionate increase shall be increase of 1 seat against 12 existing seats (3 months divided by
36), after one year of implementation of DRP.

15. National Programme for Tobacco Control and Drug Addiction Treatment
[NPTCDAT]

Regulation of depiction of tobacco usage on Over-The-To-Media (OTT) platforms: To regulate tobacco

use depiction on Over-The-Top (OTT) media platforms, Government of India has notified Cigarettes and
other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce,
Production, Supply and Distribution) [COTP] Amendment Rules, 2023 vide GSR No. 400 (E) dated 31st
May, 2023 . As per the COTP (Amendment) Rules, 2023, every publisher of online curated contents
displaying tobacco products or their use will comply with (a) display anti-tobacco health spots, of
minimum thirty seconds duration each at the beginning and middle of the programme; (b) display anti-
tobacco health warning as a prominent static message at the bottom of the screen during the period of
display of the tobacco products or their use in the programme; (c) display an audio-visual disclaimer on
the ill-effects of tobacco use, of minimum twenty seconds duration each, in the beginning and middle of
the programme.
Global commitments: India has been pioneering as the global leader in tobacco control measures. Ministry
of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India hosted the Seventh Meeting of the WHO's Global
Tobacco Regulators' Forum (GTRF) from 25-27 April, 2023. The meeting led to discussions regarding the
regulation of novel and emerging Nicotine and Tobacco products, as well as conventional products; and
develop specific action points for GTRF members to continue sharing information, through current and
newly identified intersessional priorities.
Online Reporting Mechanism: To streamline the quarterly reporting of National Tobacco Control
Programme (NTCP) activities a Dashboard of the NTCP MIS was launched on 31st May, 2023 by
Hon’ble Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare. This dashboard reflects real-time data on various
NTCP activities reported / uploaded by States/UTs .
Portal for reporting online violations: Portal (https://violation-reporting.in/) to report Online violations
under COTPA, 2003 and prohibition of e-cigarette Act, 2019 was launched to strengthen the enforcement
of these Acts. On receipt of the online violation, takedown notices will be served to the intermediaries to
remove the unlawful content (as per IT Rules, 2021).
Tobacco Free Youth Campaign: Tobacco Free Youth Campaign was launched across all States and Union
Territories to create intensive awareness on harmful effects of tobacco use, particularly amongst the youth.
The States took forward these 60 days campaign from 31st May to 31st July 2023 for effective
enforcement of tobacco control laws; implementation of guidelines for Tobacco Free Educational
Institutions; Tobacco Free Villages and IEC strategies. The best performing States/UTs were felicitated
with a trophy and a certificate in a National Review Meeting held on 20th October, 2023 to the Govt. of
Karnataka (Best performer for Monitoring Tobacco control laws), Govt. of Rajasthan (Award for
Excellence in Tobacco Control activities), Govt. of Himachal Pradesh (Best performer for creating
awareness), Govt. of Punjab (Best performer for ToFEI implementation amongst the big State), Govt. of
Odisha (Best performer for Tobacco Free Village initiative) and UT Administration of Dadra and Nagar
Haveli & Daman and Diu (Best performer for ToFEI implementation amongst the smaller State). The
Awards were received by respective State Nodal Officer of the State for Tobacco Control.
Implementation of Prohibition of e-Cigarettes Act, 2019 (PECA, 2019): Effective steps have been
undertaken for strengthening the implementation of “The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production,
Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Act, 2019”. Law
enforcers workshop was organized in February, 2023 in collaboration with National Law School of India
University (NLSIU), Bengaluru to plan concrete steps for effective compliance of the prohibition of such
novel products. A Public Notice was published PAN India for effective compliance of the PECA, 2019. A
meeting of experts was also convened under DGHS in November 2023 to update the scientific evidence
with meta-analysis on ENDS (e-cigarettes).
Strengthening of Tobacco Cessation Services: Tobacco cessation efforts contribute significantly to
promoting good health, preventing diseases, and ensuring well-being, all of which align with Sustainable
Development Goal 3's objectives. Efforts have been taken to strengthen and scale up the tobacco cessation
services in India. An expert committee to accelerate tobacco cessation services with three sub-groups
focusing on the development of National Strategic Action Plan, Training and capacity building and IEC
activities have been constituted. Further, another expert group constituted is working and expediting the
process on the development of Operational Guidelines to establish Tobacco Cessation Centers in Medical
colleges in coordination with Medical Education Division.

16. North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health & Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS),
Shillong, Meghalaya.

NEIGRIHMS is a super specialty teaching Institute established in 1987 in Shillong under the Meghalaya
Societies Regulation Act 1983 with an objective to provide advanced and specialized medical facilities of
the highest level in selected specialties, and to serve as a regional referral service centre for
comprehensive health care of people in North Eastern States. It has been designed as a Postgraduate
Medical Institute in the lineage of AIIMS, New Delhi and PGIMER, Chandigarh. The Institute is under
the administrative control of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.

The Institute is presently having 30 fully functional Super Speciality and Speciality departments. It is
offering super specialty services in Cardiology, CTVS, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Surgical Oncology and
Urology, besides specialty services in General Surgery, General Medicine, Paediatrics, Obstetrics &
Gynaecology, ENT, Orthopaedics, Dentistry, Psychiatry, Radiotherapy, TB & Respiratory Diseases,
Dermatology and Ophthalmology. These departments are very well supported by the departments of
Radiology, Anaesthesiology, Pathology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, Biochemistry, Anatomy,
Community Medicine, Pharmacology, Hospital Administration, Transfusion Medicine & Blood Centre and
Physiology. It is well equipped with all basic as well as advanced equipment’s like CT scan, 1.5 Tesla
MRI, Digital Mammography system, Fully automated High Vacuum Double Door Steam Sterilizer Unit
and Washer Disinfector, etc.

The hospital presently has 594 beds including 104 ICU beds with ventilators, out of which 280 beds are
designated for COVID-19 including 43 ICU beds designated for COVID-19, other ICU beds includes
Medical Critical Care Unit with 15 beds, Anaesthesia Critical Care Unit with 16 beds, CTVS ICU with 10
beds, ICCU with 11 beds, Paediatric ICU with 14 beds, Neonatal ICU with 6 beds each.

NEIGRIHMS is also designated as Mentor institute for the entire North Eastern States for COVID Testing
facilities by ICMR, Various COVID-19 Testing facilities like RTPCR, TruNAT & CB NAAT are available
in the Institute round the clock.

Academic Activities:

The Institute is conducting Post Doctoral (DM), Post-Graduate (MD/MS), Under Graduate (MBBS), M.
Sc (Nursing) and B. Sc. (Nursing) courses.

MBBS Course:

The Under Graduate (MBBS) course was started in the year 2008 an annual intake of 50 MBBS students
per year which will be increased to 100 annual intake. Infrastructure including college building and hostel
buildings are being readied. The proposal for creation of additional Faculty and non-Faculty posts for the
college has been submitted to Ministry along with proposal to increase the annual intake to 100.

Re-Distribution of Seats for UG Course

The Ministry vide letter NoU.12012/92/2007-NE dated 21/03/2023 re-distributed the seats in MBBS
Course at NEIGRIHMS, Shillong as per details hereunder

State Existing % Existing % New % of Seat New Seat New Seat

of Seat of Seat distribution distribution (in distribution (in No.)
distribution distribution No.) for a total for a total of 100
(in No.) of 50 seats seats

All India 15 8 15 8 15

North East 37 18 37 18 37
 Meghalaya 18 9 28.8 (60% of the 14 29
Remaining 48%
seats for states
having no
medical college)

Nagaland 15 8 19.2 (40% of the 10 19

Remaining 48%
seats for states
having no
medical college)

Arunachal 8 4 0 0 0
Pradesh

Mizoram 7 3 0 0 0

Total 100 50 100 50 100

POST GRADUATE (MD/MS) COURSES:

NEIGRIHMS started the Post-Graduate (MD/MS) Courses in 2009 in 4 Departments viz:

Anaesthesiology, Pathology, Microbiology and Obstetrics & Gynaecology. The seats were increase from
existing 2 to 4 seats in the department of Anaesthesiology from the session 2010. The PG course in the
Department of Anatomy was started from the year 2013. The PG Courses in 3 Departments viz; Radio
Diagnosis & Imaging, General Surgery and General Medicine were started from the session 2013-14.
Increase of seats in the Departments of Pathology and Microbiology was started from the session 2014.
The Post Graduate (MD/MS) courses in the Department of Oto-Rihno Laryngology, Dermatology with
annual intake of 2 seats each and MD Forensic Medicine with annual intake of 3 seats was started from
the session 2019-2020. PG Courses were started from the 2020-21 in the 3 Departments viz. Biochemistry,
Ophthalmology and Pharmacology with annual intake of 2 seats. PG Course in the Department of
Orthopaedics has started from the session 2023-24 with annual intake of 2 seats. The Ministry has
accorded approval for starting of MD Physiology and the course will be started from the next Academic
Session.
Post Doctoral (DM) Courses:

Post-Doctoral (DM) Cardiology Course was started from the session 2012-13 with an annual intake of 2
seats. In addition of Post Doctoral Course in DM Neurology with an annual intake of 2 (two) seats has
been started from the session 2022-23.

Nursing Education:

The B.Sc. Nursing course with 50 annual intake was started in the year 2006. The students intake will be
increased to 100 seats from the next Academic session. M. Sc. Nursing Course with 10 students intake per
year was started from the year 2016. Apart from the above for B.Sc Nursing course 8 (eight) seats Prime
Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme for UTs of J&K and Ladakh (PMSS) & 12 (twelve) under 25%
Supernumerary seats for Foreign Students have been increased. For M. Sc Nursing Course 2 (two) seats
have been increased under 25% Supernumerary seats for Foreign Students.

Academic Achievements:
Till date 16 batches of MBBS students have been admitted and 10 batches passed out.
Number of PG students admitted is 244 and 159 PGs in various specialties have completed their course.
Number of DM Cardiology admitted is 24 and 16 have completed their course.
Number of M.Sc. (Nursing) students admitted is 76 and 5 batches have completed their course.
Number of B.Sc. (Nursing) students admitted is 900 and 12 batches have completed their course.
National and International Conference, symposia, workshops, teleconferences and tele-medicine
workshops are held in collaboration with other institutes in the country, involving various other funding
agencies for research, especially ICMR, HRD, DST etc. It has been in the forefront with its research
publications of appreciable impact on need-based, indigenous projects.

Management of the Institute

The Governing Council of the Institute is the highest authority of the Institute headed by the Union Health
Minister as its President with 27 other Members. The Executive Committee is chaired by the Secretary,
Ministry of Health &Family Welfare, Government of India. The other Committees have also been
constituted such as Standing Finance Committee, Standing Selection Committee and Academic
Committee, etc. The Director, NEIGRIHMS is the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute. All
administrative and academic activities are under his control.

The Dean (Academics) is the overall in charge of the academic activities of the Institute and the Dean
(Research) looks after the research activities. The Medical Superintendent is the overall in-charge of the
hospital who looks after the day to day functioning of the hospital. The functioning of the different
department is directly under the respective Heads of Department. Key areas such as Casualty, CSSD,
Stores, Hospital Waste Management, Etc are looked after by designated officer under the Supervision of
the Medical Superintendent.

Sanctioned Strength and Incumbency Position:

Presently the Institute is having a total of 1365 manpower in position including Faculty, Group A, B & C
posts against the sanctioned strength of 2026 Posts. The Institute has been making efforts to fill up the
vacant faculty posts to augment the teaching faculty in different Departments of NEIGRIHMS. The total
number of faculty in position is 93 Nos. (Excluding 1 who are yet to join) against the sanctioned strength
of 168 posts. The Institute till date is having 67 Nos. of Senior Residents in position out of 127 posts and
67 Junior Residents in position out of 110 posts.

Outsourced Services:

Institute has outsourced manpower services; cleaning services; security services and vehicles for
additional support in its hospital clinical services, academic and research activities.

Major High End Equipments:

2021-22 2022-23

Out Patients (OPD) 204110 330482

Patients registered from 12816 17709

Casualty

IN Patients (IPD) 10293 14027

Death 792 730

Birth 768 1003

DETAILS OF PATIENT 2021-22 2022-23
TREATED

OPD CASUALTY IPD OPD CASUALTY IPD

Patients from North East 62197 2060 2717 115744 2672 3741
India

Patients from Outside North 1790 151 44 1902 169 46

East

Patients from Outside India 45 4 0 1155 14 22

Patients from Meghalaya 140078 10601 7532 211681 14854 10218

Operation Theatre 2021-22 2022-23

Major OT 2361 3554

Minor OT 1088 1594

2021-22 2022-23

Total no. of Beds 594 594

Investigations & Procedures 2021-22 2022-23

Pathology 576822 789889

Microbiology 388820 373695

Biochemistry 971443 1376424

Radiology 74857 117781

Neurology 1608 2782

Cardiology 26654 43874

CTVS 138 145

 General Medicine 13265 14690

Urology 1813 3493

Orthopaedics 1410 1401

Gynaecology 4582 7726

ENT 2125 5394

Dermatology 892 2836

Blood Bank 3585 4348

2021-22 2022-23

Diet Counseling OPD 1975 3327

Diet Counseling IPD 2556 3979

Diet Supply 96388 122114

Hospital Charges collected 2021-22 2022-23

Total Investigation Charges 6,84,62,447.00 8,58,20,870.00

Lamination Fees 22,500.00 21,060.00

State of Art Radiology & Imaging Department exist with various radiology equipments including 128
slice CT Scan, 1.5 Tesla MRI, Digital Radiography and Digital Radio Fluoroscopy System, various
advance Ultrasonography Systems, Mobile DSA system, Mammography, DEXA Scan.

The Institute also has the following High end Medical Equipments including Cathlab, Lithotripsy
Machine, Trans Esophageal Echocardiography, Stereotactic Navigational System for Neuro Surgery,
CUSA, ECMO, Holmium LASER, Virtual Dissection Table, Virtual Autopsy System.

The hospital has got a Gas Manifold System with centralized pipelines. It has got the following Oxygen
supply System:

1. 2 Nos. Liquid Medical Oxygen Plant each having 10 KL capacity.

2. 2 units of PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) plants each having capacity of 300L/min and 700
L/min respectively

Health Schemes:

NEIGRIHMS has been successfully operating the central schemes like RAN, HMDG, JSY, JSSK,
PMNRF and also the Government sponsored Insurance Schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya
(PMJAY). The Institute entered into an agreement with Government of Arunachal for having cashless
treatment for the people of Arunachal at NEIGRIHMS under the Chief Minister Arogya Arunachal Yojana
(CMAAY) Scheme (Health Insurance Scheme).
NEIGRIHMS also received the award “Highest Number of Claims” among smaller States for PMJAY.

Hospital Statistics Report (APRIL 2022 to March 2023)

Grant-In-Aid And Budget

The Institute receives Grants-in-Aid from the Ministry as shows in the table below. Besides the Grants-in
Aid the Institute also receives Grants from ICMR, DBT etc for implementation of various projects.

Budget Estimate for 2023-24 Allocation for 2023-24 Funds release by MoHFW as on
November 2023

662.88crs 528.83crs 290.21crs

Major Expansion Projects of NEIGRIHMS

The Hon’ble Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemical and Fertilisers inaugurated the
following projects at the Institute on 14.10.2023

Under Graduate Medical College for 100 intake with Hostels.

Regional Cancer Centre with 252 bed capacity and Patient Guest House
New Nursing College for 100 intake with Hostels.
Modular OTs – 8 Nos.
Virtual Autopsy
Laying of foundation for 150 beds Critical Bedded Hospital Block

Capacity of Buildings etc: -

Facility Capacity

Nursing College 100 students/ year

Nursing Hostel-1 68 Rooms, Capacity 136 students

Nursing Hostel-2 87 Rooms, Capacity 174 students

Nursing dining Capacity-390 seats

Guest House 28 Rooms, Capacity 52 persons

UG Hostel-1 76 Rooms, Capacity 92 students

UG Hostel-2 91 Rooms, Capacity 109 students

UG Hostel-3 91 Rooms, Capacity 109 students

UG Hostel-4 74 Rooms, Capacity 88 students

Internee Hostel 84 Rooms, Capacity 100 students

Regional Cancer Centre with 252 bed capacity with Patient Guest House of 28 rooms will have all state of
art cancer diagnosis and treatment facilities including Linear Accelerators, Brachy Therapy, CT Simulator,
PET CT-Scan, Gamma Camera and various advanced cancer treatment facilities with 6 Modular Operation
Theatres. It is also have all state of the are diagnostic radiological equipments including 3 Tesla MRI, 128
slice CT Scan, Digital Mammography, DSA, DRF, DR systems and PACS (Picture Archiving and
Communication System). There will be Oncology, Onco Surgery, Radiation Therapy and Oncolmaging
facilities.

Status of Construction of Critical Care Block (Ccb) with 150 Beds:

Ministry has approved the award of work vide F.NO. G-2017/10/2021-NE dated 10th Jan 2023, for Rs
86,52,21,005.16, to M/s SPD Construction Ltd.

Institute conveyed approval to HSCC vide NEIGR/ENGG/30/2022 dated 16th Jan 2023. Notification of
Award issued to M/s SPD Construction Ltd vide No. HSCC/Neigrihms/CCB/2023 dated 17.01.2023. Time
of Completion -15 calendar months from date of commencement.

Acquisition of Additional Land:

The District Collector, East Khasi Hills Revenue, has formally handed over the 20 Acres of Additional
Land to NEIGRIHMS, on the 23rd November 2020, for construction of Dwelling Units for Faculty, Group
A, B & C categories.

Institute has requested M/s HSCC to prepare the DPR which shall include the following:-

Type Nos Pay Scale Description

VI 20 10000 + Above 3-BHK + Servants Room

V 157 7600 + Above 3-BHK + Servants Room

IV ( Special ) 112 6600 + Above 3-BHK + Servants Room

IV 300 5400 + Above 3-BHK

III 165 4200 -4800 2-BHK

II 90 1900-2800 2-BHK

Boundary Wall
Public amenities / shopping complexes
Parks, parking
Sports facilities (Tennis courts, basketball , football )
Road networks, Internal and external electrification
RCC - Overhead water tank of at least 5.00 lakhs capacity for gravity distribution to all dwelling units
along with filters etc
Effluent treatment plant ( ETP) + Sewerage treatment plant ( STP)
Rain water harvesting, PHE works etc

17. Regional Institute of Paramedical and Nursing Sciences (RIPANS), Aizawl, Mizoram
Regional Institute of Medical Sciences was set up in 1972 and has been functioning under the Ministry
of Health and Family Welfare since 1 st April, 2007. RIMS is an Institute of regional importance
catering to the needs of the North Eastern Region in the field of medical education by providing
undergraduate and post-graduate courses. RIMS, Hospital is a 1,200 bedded teaching Hospital equipped
with modern state of the art equipment and teaching facilities. The Hospital provides services to a large
number of patients both out-door as well as indoor patients and admit over forty thousand patients in a
year. The institute has so far produced 3848 medical graduates and 2357 specialists.

At present, the institute is conducting the following Courses:

Sl. Name of Course Duration

No.

1. B.Sc .Nursing 4 years

2. B.Sc. MLT (Medical Laboratory 4 years

Technology)

3. B. Pharm 4 years

4. B.Sc.RIT (Radio Imaging Technology) 4 years

5. B. Optometry 4 years

6. M.Pharm 2 years

7. M.Sc.MLT 2 years

8. M.Sc Nursing 2 years

Achievements (as of 19.12.2023):

a. Total strength of students in various Courses, students newly admitted and number of passed out
students is shown as under:

Sl. Name of Course Total No. of No. of students

strength of students passed out in
No.
students newly
admitted

in 2022- 2022
23

1. B.Sc. Nursing 53 39
171
 2. B.Sc. MLT 39 32
(Medical 147
Laboratory

Technology)

3. B. Pharm 40 30
155

4. B.Sc. RIT (Radio 134 37 29

Imaging Technology)

5. B.(Optometry) 128 36 31

6. M. Pharm 40 22 19

7. M.Sc.MLT 16 8

8. M.Sc Nursing 25 25

TOTAL 816 260 180

b. About 99% of passed out students are getting placement in various Central/State Government
Institutes/Departments and private establishments such as CSIR Laboratories, AIIMS, Safdurjang
Hospital, NEIGRIHMS, RIMS, NIPER, GNRC, AMRI Hospital, Apollo Hospital, Birla Heart
Institute, Fortis Hospital, TATA Hospital, NIT, Mizoram University, Assam Downtown University,
Assam Technical University, NATCO Pharma Ltd., Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd., CIPLA, etc. and
abroad such as Australia, USA, Canada, Ireland, England, Norway, Singapore etc.

In addition, many students qualified for the All-India GPAT examination conducted by
National Testing Agency (NTA).

c. As per instruction of Ministry, recruitment process for filling up of various vacant posts at RIPANS
is being initiated and action plan is being updated from time to time.

Project of Development of RIPANS:

Approval for the Project of Development of RIPANS at an estimated cost of Rs. 480.12 crore was
conveyed by the Ministry on 27.02.2019.
Approval to award the work to the lowest bidder at Rs. 217.97 crore was conveyed by the Ministry on
04.01.2022
Civil construction work was started on 01.03.2021 and the scheduled date of completion is
28.08.2023

The main components of the project are as under:

Construction of: -
 Sl Description Main Progress Remarks
Components Status in
No.
percentage

1 Guest House (G+3 10 Units 98% Testing and commissioning

floors) work in progress. Furniture
to be installed.

2 100 bedded Hospital 100 Bedded 93.50% Finishing & MEP work in
Block (G+4 floors) progress.

3 Staff/Nurse quarters 18 Units 95.10% Finishing & MEP work in

(G+5 floors) progress.

4 General Hostel Block 168 Single 94.95% Finishing & MEP work in
(G+5 floors) rooms progress.

5 Resident Doctor’s 22 Units 85.65% RCC in superstructure,

Quarter (G+5) Finishing & MEP work in
progress.

6 Academic Block-IV 18 77.80% Structure, finishing & MEP

(G+5 floors) Classroom & work in progress.
32 Labs

7 Indoor Sports 1000 sitting 45.20% RCC in superstructure in

Complex and capacity progress.
Auditorium- structure
work (G+3 floors)

8 Medical Single Unit 57.10% RCC in superstructure in

Superintendent progress.
Quarter (G+1)

The overall physical progress is 81.90%.

Opening of 7 new Courses

Creation of 154 posts.

e. Financial Position during the year 2022-23:

(Rs. In Crore)
 Unspent Amount Internal Unspent
Balance released Resources balance as
S. B.E. Expenditu
of the by the Generated on
No re as on
Particulars (In previous Ministry 31.03.2023
31.03.2023
. crore) year

1 GIA 15.00 0.00 15.00 - 15.00 -

General

Grants for 0.00 79.00 - 79.00 0.00

2 Creation of 102.50
Capital
Assets

3 GIA 14.50 0.00 14.50 0.26 13.49 1.27

Salaries

Total 132.0 0.00 108.50 0.26 108.76 1.27

Note: Unspent Balance of the previous year was remitted to consolidated fund of India.

f. Financial Position during the year 2023-2024 (upto 19..12.2023:

(Rs. in Crore)

Unspent Amount Unspent

Balance released balance as
B.E. Internal Expenditure
of the by the on
Resources as on
Sl. Particulars (In previous Ministry 19.12.2023
Generated 19.12.2023
crore)
No. year

1 GIA 16.00 0.00 12.00 - 11.22 0.78

General

Grants
for
93.54 0.00 71.28 0.00 55.95 15.33
Creation
2 of
Capital
Assets

3 GIA 15.50 0.00 11.00 0.00 8.51

Salaries
2.49

TOTAL 125.04 0.00 94.28 0.00 75.68 18.60

The courses being run along with intake capacity in the institute are as follows:

2.1 Allocation of Seats for undergraduate courses:

The number of annual admissions to MBBS course is 125 students. The detail of these seats is as under:-

Sl. Name of State MBBS BDS B.Sc. Nursing

No.

1 All India Quota 19 7 -

2 Arunachal Pradesh 7 4 5

3 Meghalaya 13 7 5

4 Mizoram 7 4 5

5 Manipur 30 13 20*

6 Sikkim 5 3 5

7 Tripura 13 7 5

8 Nagaland 10 5 5

9. NE Open- All Beneficiary 10 - -

states of RIMS (except
Assam)

10. EWS 11 - -

Grand Total 125 50 50

* including 4 seats earmarked for children of RIMS employees.

2.2 Distribution of P.G. seats 50% (73-74) seat distribution of Beneficiary States of RIMS,
Imphal

Course State No. of seats Total seats

Sponsored Open
 Postgraduate Arunachal Pradesh 8 2 10
(MD/MS/DCP)
Manipur 8 2 10

Meghalaya 8 2 10

Mizoram 8 2 10

Nagaland 8 2 10

Sikkim 8 2 10

Tripura 8 2 10

RIMS AIQ Graduate 2 2

NON RIMS Graduates of 5 5

beneficiary States (except
Assam)

NE open (Graduates of 6 6
beneficiary states of RIMS
except Assam)

*This Category was made

available only for 2022
session due to increased of
PG seats.

83

2.3 Academic Achievement

The objective of this premier institute is to impart quality medical education and has produced
a number of medical doctors/specialists and health care providers. On the basis of the record maintained
by the institute number of the students passed out so far as on 30.09.2023 is as under:

1 Total no. of MBBS doctors passed out 3848

2 Total no. of MD/MS/DCP passed out 2357

3 Total no, of M.Ch./students passed out 28

4 Total no. of M.Phil. (Clinical psychology) 79

5 Total no. of B.Sc. (Nursing) Passed out 376

6 Total no. of B.D.S. passed out 210

 7 B.Sc. (MLT) passed out 5

3. Management of the Institute

The overall management of the institute is entrusted to i) Board of Governors headed by Union
Minister of Health and Family Welfare and ii) Executive Council headed by the Secretary Ministry
of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India.

The Board of Governors is the highest and ultimate authority of the Institute which has the power
to do all necessary acts for the attainment of the objects of the Institute specified in the
Memorandum of Association. The management and administration of the Institute such as
supervising the overall administration and management of the Institute, review of the finance of
the Institute, review of the progress of the work of the Institute, approval of the academic,
scientific and technical programmes of the institute, framing Bye-laws and procedures for conduct
of the affairs of the Institute etc. vest with the Executive Council. The other committees have also
been constituted such as Standing Finance Committee, Academic Sub-Committee etc. for
financial, academic matters.

The Director RIMS, Imphal is the Chief Executive Officer who acts as Head of all academic,
scientific and administrative functions of the institute and is the overall in-charge of day to day
affairs of the Institute.

The Medical Superintendent is the overall in-charge of the hospital, who looks after the day to day
functioning of the hospital. The functioning of the different departments is directly under the
respective heads of department. Key areas such as the Casualty, CSSD, Stores, Hospital Waste
Management, etc are looked after by designated officers (medical doctors) under the supervision of
the Medical Superintendent.

4. Staff Strength In RIMS

Sanctioned Posts Filled

1936 1366

5. Newly Procured Equipments/Instruments

The list of newly procured major equipments for RIMS Imphal for the year 2023-2024 are as
follows:

Fundas Camera with FFA, used for the screening, diagnosis, documentation and surveillance of retinal,
optic nerve and retinal vascular abnormalities and Automated Static Perimetry, an indispensable tool in the
diagnosis of glaucoma, were procured and installed at Ophthalmology Department on 19/05/2023.
Synthetic Cadaver was installed at Anatomy Department, RIMS, Imphal.
EMG Based Simulator was installed at Physiology Department, RIMS, Imphal.
HD Bronscopy and Stroboscopy Set was installed at ENT Department.

6. Other Achievements

Mess Hall for Gents PG Hostel No. 2, RIMS, Imphal was inaugurated on 02/05/2023.
30 bedded PG Hostel for Gents, RIMS, Imphal was inaugurated on 02/05/2023
100 Bedded Hostels for OBC Girls, RIMS, Imphal was inaugurated on 06/04/2023.
100 Bedded Hostels for OBC Boys, RIMS, Imphal was inaugurated on 06/04/2023.

8. Budget
 Budget Estimate or FY 2022-23. Budget Allocation for FY 2023-24

560.00 629.16

(Rs. in crore)

18. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI):

Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006 was enacted with the objective to consolidate the laws relating
to food and for laying down science based standards for articles of food as well as to regulate their
manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for
human consumption. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established in
September, 2008 under the provisions of the FSS Act as the apex authority on all matters of food safety
and to ensure safe and wholesome food to consumers.
FSSAI has constituted 21 subject specific Scientific Panels under Section 13 of the FSS Act, which consist
of independent scientific experts, to act as the risk assessment bodies and provide their considered
scientific opinion. There is also a Scientific Committee under Section 14 of the FSS Act. The Scientific
Committee and the Scientific Panels provides scientific opinions and recommendations on development of
food standards.
During 2023, FSSAI continued to work towards development/revision of science based standards of food
products. During 2023, FSSAI notified 4 final notifications and 3 draft notifications. The final
notifications include standards/revised standards for various articles of food viz basmati rice, fowl eggs,
lowering of fat content for double toned milk, limits of naturally occurring formaldehyde in freshwater
and marine fish, standards for sheep milk, oils, desiccated coconut, wheat flour or resultant wheat flour,
millets, mithun (Bos frontalis), dried sweet marjoram, coconut neera, liquid nitrogen dosing in ‘Natural
Mineral Water’ and ‘Packaged Drinking Water’, substances added to food, microbiological standards etc.;
allow the declaration of nutritional information such as calorie and carbohydrate content on alcoholic
beverages and revision in the definition of single malt or single grain whisky; revision of sitting fee for
members of the Food Authority other than ex-officio members. Draft notifications include revised limits
of Selenium, Manganese, Iron and Biotin in Foods for Infant Nutrition; omission of AGMARK
certification mark; Standards of Mead (Honey wine), Craft Beer, Indian liquors and definition of Low
Alcoholic Beverages/ RTD, Wine based Beverages and, Country Liquors etc.
FSSAI also notified one new FSS Regulation viz Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (Financial)
Regulations, 2023; one amendment in FSS rules relating to Notification with respect to Qualification of
Designated Officer, Duties of Food Safety Officer, Forms etc. and a Notification in exercise of the powers
conferred under clause (ii) of sub-rule 1 of rule 2.1.3 of the FSS Rules with respect to Qualification for the
post of Food Safety Officer.
All Food Business Operators (FBOs) in the country are required to be registered or licensed under Section
31 of the FSS Act, 2006 to run any food business. The process for applying and issuance of licenses and
registration of FBOs is completely online through Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS). As on
30.11.2023, 64,803 Central Licenses, 10,06,837 State licenses and 45,83,408 Registrations are active.
Adding Licenses and Registration granted at Railways Stations and Airports/Seaports, the cumulative
figures for the active license and registration becomes 56.63 lakhs. Continuous steps are being taken to
simplify the procedure of licensing and registration of food businesses and digitation of enforcement
activities.
FSSAI, vide order dated 11-01-2023, has decided that all the renewal of license/ registration will be
granted instantly, without requiring the scrutiny/approval of the concerned authority. FSSAI, vide order
dated 13-01-2023 has mandated that all Manufactures (including Repacker and Relabellers) shall, through
FoSCoS, upload six monthly lab testing reports or link such reports from InFoLNet wherever the samples
are analysed by FSSAI notified labs. FSSAI, vide order dated 10-02-2023 has reduced the initial
application fee for FSSAI license to Rs. 1000/- plus GST [as applicable]. Further, to bridge the Gender
Gap and to foster equal opportunities by facilitating the participation of Women and Transgender
entrepreneurs in the food business sector, FSSAI has created the provision in FoSCoS for the
categorization of their applications for license/registration under the ‘Special Category’ and directed
authorities to process such applications in 1:1 ratio with ‘General Category’ application.
FSSAI is extending both technical and financial support to the States/UTs for strengthening the Food
Safety Ecosystem in the Country through MoU. During 2023-24, as of 14.11.2023, funds to the extent of
Rs. 360.41 crore have been approved based on work-plan proposals received from 21 States/UTs and an
amount of Rs.144.83 crore released to 16 States/UTs as mainly first tranche against the work plans
finalized in consultation with States/UTs.
FSSAI has developed the State Food Safety Index to measure the performance of States on various
parameters of Food Safety. The index is based on performance of States/UTs on six significant parameters,
namely (i) Human Resource and Institutional Data; (ii) Compliance; (iii) Food Testing Infrastructure and
Surveillance; (iv) Training and Capacity Building; (v) Consumer empowerment; and (vi) Improvement in
SFSI Rank. The 5th State Food Safety Index for the year 2022-2023 was released on 7th June 2023, on the
occasion of World Food Safety Day. Among larger States, Kerala secured the first rank followed by
Punjab and Tamil Nadu. Among Smaller States, Goa secured the first rank followed by Manipur and
Sikkim. Among the UTs, Jammu and Kashmir got the first rank followed by Delhi and Chandigarh.
During 2023, 11 food laboratories have been recognized/notified and 03 food testing laboratories de-
notified under Section 43(1) of FSS Act, 2006 by FSSAI. This has raised the total number of notified food
laboratories for primary food sample testing to 239 till date. In addition, 22 Referral Laboratories have
been recognized/notified under Section 43(2) of FSS Act, 2006 by FSSAI for appellate food sample
testing. Out of these labs, 55 Food Testing Laboratories have obtained recognition from Agricultural and
Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) for testing of organic food products.
FSSAI has granted approval (Order dated 25.08.2023) to the 11 food laboratories as National Reference
Laboratories (NRL) in accordance with Regulation 3 of the Food Safety and Standards (Recognition and
Notification of Laboratories) Regulations, 2018, for specified areas mentioned alongside each NRL and
one (1) as an Ancillary National Reference Laboratory (ANRL).
As on date, FSSAI has sanctioned 405 Mobile Food Testing Laboratories i.e Food Safety on Wheels
vehicles (FSW) and out of which 238 are deployed across the nation. Total 175934 food tests, 10062
awareness and 5108 training activities have been conducted through FSWs during this period.
The Scientific Panel on Methods of Sampling and Analysis has formulated test methods for detection of
Iron, Folic acid and Vitamin B12 in Fortified Rice, Fortified Rice Kernel and Premix for FRK, which were
approved by Scientific Committee and Food Authority and published vide order dated 08.09.2022,
07.11.2023 and 09.11.2023, respectively. Till date, FSSAI has notified 42 laboratories for testing of
Fortified Rice, 21 laboratories for Fortified Rice Kernel and 10 laboratories for Vitamin-Mineral Premix
for FRK. FSSAI has formulated guidelines on sampling of Fortified Rice (FR), Fortified Rice Kernels
(FRK) and Vitamin Mineral Premix for FRK
Total 42 physical training programmes were organized by FSSAI during 2023 in coordination with
Referral Laboratories of FSSAI on safety parameter. 516 laboratory personnel attended these trainings.
FSSAI has been conducting Pan India Surveys of various food products. The report of the Pan India
Surveillance on Jaggery & Milk has been published on FSSAI website in Jan’23. FSSAI conducted
Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) surveillance drive in May, 2023, to analyse three micronutrients viz; iron,
folic acid & vitamin B12 from FRK manufacturers (state & central license holders) by involving 10
FSSAI notified laboratories. In addition, FSSAI has initiated surveillance activities on Milk & Milk
Products such as Khoa, Chenna, Paneer, Ghee, Butter, Dahi /Yoghurt, ice-cream, etc. through QCI and
NDDB-CALF in Aug’23.
In 2023, FSSAI has taken several initiatives with respect to Millets. The Millets Calendar prepared by
FSSAI was launched by Hon’ble Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya
in January 2023.
As a part of the celebration of IYoM 2023, the FSSAI organized the Global Millets (Shree Anna)
Conference on 18th and 19th of March, 2023. During the inauguration of the Global Millets (Shree Anna)
Conference, Hon'ble Prime Minister Shree Narendra Modi digitally launched a book, "Shree Anna - A
Holistic Overview," based on standards on millets prepared by FSSAI.
 17. Further, FSSAI hosted the 'Eat Right Millets (Shree Anna) Quiz' on the MyGov platform from 3rd
April 2023 to 30th June 2023 as part of the celebrations for the International Year of Millets (IYOM)
2023 and organized a 4 weeks’ Shree Anna (Millets) Challenge for more than 2100 certified Eat Right
Campuses from 20th April '23 to 20th May '23 to encourage millet-based food products, recipes, and
their benefits to people at large. A total 84 Campuses participated in the challenge. Participating
Campuses encouraged millets-based food in their canteens, shared recipes and organized awareness
sessions on the benefits of millets during the challenge. 5 Eat Right Campuses were awarded with
Certificate of Appreciation. A Millet Recipe Book for Canteens and Mess (available in six Indian
languages) and a Probiotic Recipe book were unveiled by Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh
Mandaviya.

The World Food Safety Day was celebrated at Vigyan Bhawan, Delhi on 7th June 2023. Certificate of
appreciation were awarded to Kerala and Jammu & Kashmir for doing Eat Right Millets Melas and Eat
Right Melas respectively in all the districts. From January to October 2023. In 2023, 151 Eat Right Melas
and 100 cyclothons/walkathons/Yoga sessions have been conducted. The objective of the melas is to
educate people about the importance of including millets in their diet and to showcase different ways of
using millets in food.
To promote the use of millets-based food and healthy eating practices among the armed forces and ensure
availability of safe and nutritious food, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the
Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on 13th July,
2023 in the presence of Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Hon’ble Union Minister of Health
and Family Welfare, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya. A book titled ‘Healthy Recipes for Defence’ to promote the
consumption of Shree Anna (millets) and its health benefits was also unveiled during the occasion. A short
awareness video/TVC on millets was developed and released jointly by Hon’ble Raksha Mantri and
Hon’ble Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare.
The first ever Global Food Regulators Summit 2023 was organised by FSSAI, on 20-21 July 2023. Nearly,
70 national and international speakers, including senior officials from Codex, FAO, WHO, World Food
Programme and international research institutions and Universities participated. During the event, Hon’ble
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya unveiled various initiatives
including Food-o-Copoeia, a collection of food category-wise monographs. The Hon’ble Union Minister
also launched the common regulators platform 'SaNGRAH' - Safe food for Nations: Global food
Regulatory Authorities Handbook. It is a database of Food Regulatory Authorities of 76 countries across
the world, their mandate, food safety ecosystem, food testing facilities, contact details for food authorities.
Eat Right Summit 2023 was organized at Vigyan Bhawan, Delhi under the aegis of Food Safety and
Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on 31st October 2023. The theme of this summit was ‘Shri Anna’ in
view of the ongoing International Year of Millets 2023.
India has been recognized by FAO for being the host country secretariat for Codex Committee on Spices
and Culinary Herbs and its contribution to Codex. Codex Alimentarius Commission has considered during
conference held at Rome from 27November to 02 December 2023, the proposal of India to develop global
standards for group of Millets. The Commission was informed that India has already developed a group of
standards for 15 types of Millets.
A national level training institute "National Training Centre for Food Safety and Standards" has been set
up at Indrapuram, Ghaziabad in 2023. Staff Training Unit has successfully organized four induction
training programmes titled Nurturing Individual Potential and Unleashing Networking (NIPUN) for the
newly recruited officials/officers to acquaint them with the organizational procedures and workflow.
During the period, FSSAI has conducted Induction/Refresher Training of more than 300 officers which
includes Food Safety Officers, Designated Officers of various States/UTs, Indian Railway, Airport Health
Organization/Port Health Organization and Central Food Safety Officers of FSSAI.
In 2023, 9112 trainings of Food Safety Supervisors have been conducted and more than 3.03 lakh Food
Handlers have been trained and assessed under Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC)
Programme. It is matter of great prode that more than 14 lakhs Food Handlers have been trained under the
FoSTaC program during the last 6 years.
Food imports in the country are being regulated at 161 points of entry. Presently, 62 points of entry are
under the direct control of FSSAI officials through offices located at 13 places i.e. Delhi, Mumbai,
Kolkata, Chennai, Tuticorin, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Krishnapatnam, Vishakhapatnam, Kandla Mundra,
Kochi, Mangalore and Ahmedabad. Of the rest 99 points of entry, Custom officers have been notified by
FSSAI as Authorised Officers to regulate the clearance of food consignments as per the norms prescribed
by FSSAI. To ensure the safety of high-risk food products like Milk, Egg, Meat, Infant Food,
Nutriceuticals etc., it was decided that these products shall be only permitted through restricted 79 points
of entries. FSSAI initiated registration of Foreign food manufacturing facilities intending to export Milk,
Meat, Egg Powder, Infant Food and Nutraceuticals to India. A database of registered foreign food
manufacturers is created through a dedicated online portal i.e. Registration of Foreign Food Manufacturers
(ReFoM) for further risk analysis. So far 47 countries have registered covering 3043 foreign food
manufacturers.

19. International Health Regulations

DGHS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is designated National Focal Point for India. Functions
of NFP include: capacity building for IHR(2005) in the country, review progress of IHR
implementation by using WHO IHR monitoring tool and share with WHO annually, coordination and
communication with WHO, NFP of other countries and local stakeholders for event verification,
notification, contact tracing(TB), etc.

During the pandemic of Covid -19, the failure of the Member States and that of WHO as a directing
and co-ordinating body for the global health to protect the population from COVID-19, lead to
introspection at various levels. The 74th World Health Assembly in 2021 constituted a Working Group
on health emergencies preparedness and response (WGPR).The report of the WGPR was considered
by World Health Assembly (WHA), led to the evolvement of two Member State driven
intergovernmental processes:

The Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) for developing a WHO convention, agreement or
other international instrument on pandemic preparedness and response (WHO CA+).The Working
group on International Health Regulations (WGIHR) to recommend targeted amendments to IHR;
Both the proposed instrument and the targeted amendments to IHR are to be placed before the 77th
WHA in May 2024.

INSACOG:

The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) is a national multi- agency consortium of
Genome Sequencing Laboratories (RGSLs) laboratories established by the Government of India on
December 2020.
The network carries out whole genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 virus across the nation, aiding the
understanding of how the virus spreads and evolves, and provides information to aid public health
response.
A summary of the cumulative data of INSACOG and other state sequencing initiatives can be found in the
INSACOG data portal along with other INSACOG related information at
https://inda.rcb.ac.in/insacog/statisticsinsacog
Presently, INSACOG is keeping a close watch and monitoring the emergence and evolution SARS CoV 2
sub-lineages.
Currently circulating variants are: JN.1, BA.2.38, BA.2.10.1, and Recombinant Variants i.e. XBB.2.3,
XBB.2.3.*, XBB.1.16, XBB.1.16.* and GE.1.

Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY)

The Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) envisages creation of tertiary healthcare
capacity in medical education, research and clinical care, in the underserved areas of the country. It
aims at correcting regional imbalances in the availability of affordable/reliable tertiary healthcare
 services and also augmenting facilities for quality medical education in the country. The scheme has
two broad components:

Setting up of All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS); Up-gradation of existing

Government Medical Colleges/Institutions (GMCIs).So far, establishment of 22 new AIIMS and 75
up-gradation Projects of existing Government Medical Colleges/Institutions (GMCIs) have been
approved under this scheme.

Six AIIMS under Phase-I:

In Phase-I, a total of six AIIMS (Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Jodhpur, Patna, Raipur and Rishikesh) were
set up at an approved cost of Rs. 820.00 crore per AIIMS. These are fully operational.

All key hospital facilities and services such as Emergency, Trauma, Blood bank, ICU, Diagnostic
and Pathology are functioning. The total bed capacity of the six AIIMS is at present 6329. Hospital
services in these 6 AIIMS are operating in various Specialities and Super- Specialties Departments.
There are 1706 PG Seats (Medical) and 750 MBBS seats in these six AIIMS.
New AIIMS under Phase-II, IV, V, VI & VII:

16 AIIMS have been sanctioned/approved by the Cabinet in subsequent phases. Following facilities
and services have been made functional in these institutes:BBS classes and OPD services started at
following 11 AIIMS at Gorakhpur (UP),Raebareli (UP), Nagpur (Maharashtra), Kalyani (West
Bengal), Mangalagiri (Andhra Pradesh), Bibinagar (Telangana), Bathinda (Punjab) Deoghar
(Jharkhand), Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh), Guwahati (Assam) and Rajkot (Gujarat). Of these, IPD
facilities on a limited scale have been started in 10 AIIMS at Raebareli, Mangalagiri, Nagpur,
Kalyani, Gorakhpur, Bathinda, Bilaspur, Deoghar, Guwahati and Bibinagar. in the current financial
year 3760 hospital bedsare functional in these 10 AIIMS.

MBBS classes have started in AIIMS at Vijaypur (Jammu), and Madurai (Tamil Nadu).
There are 493PG seats in 11 AIIMS ( Nagpur, Bibinagar, Bathinda, Deoghar, Mangalagiri,
Raebareli, Kalyani, Bilaspur, Gorakhpur, Guwahati and Rajkot) and intake of 1287 MBBS students
in 13 AIIMS (Mangalagiri, Nagpur, Kalyani, Gorakhpur, Bathinda, Raebareli, Deoghar, Bibinagar,
Guwahati, Bilaspur, Vijaypur, Rajkot and Madurai) for Academic Year 2022-23.

Up-gradation of existing Government Medical Colleges /Institutes:

The Up-gradation programme broadly envisages improving tertiary health infrastructure through
construction of Super Speciality Blocks / Trauma Care Centres etc. and/or procurement of medical
equipment for existing Government Medical Colleges / Institution.

Since inception of the Scheme, 64 upgradation projects of existing Government Medical Colleges /
Institutions have been completed, adding about 13982 Super- specialty beds including 2397 ICU
beds. The Super Specialty Blocks /Trauma Centres constructed in these upgradation projects are also
being used as COVID Hospital Blocks. The civil constructions of the following 6 projects have been
completed during 2022-23 (upto November, 2023):

S. Name of Name of Phase Type Total ICU No.

the the State of Beds Super
No. Beds
GMC/ facility Specialt
Institute

1 Indira Gandhi Himachal III SSB 283 53 10

Medical Pradesh
College,
Shimla
 2 TD Medical Kerala III SSB 279 62 9
College,
Alappuzha

3 North Bengal West III SSB 255 89 8

Medical Bengal
College,
Siliguri,
Darjeeling

4 GMC, Uttar IV SSB 270 30 12

Kanpur Pradesh

5 GMC, Rajasthan IV SSB 231 51 5

Jaipur

6 GMC, Gujarat IV SSB 193 47 6

Bhavnagar

Setting up of Critical Care Hospital Blocks:

In order to avoid mixing of COVID and non COVID patients, at many places full hospitals were
required to be designated as COVID dedicated facilities. To control spread of the infectious disease,
The PM-ABHIM Scheme envisages establishment of 150 bedded Critical Care Hospital Blocks
(CCHB) in 12 Central Hospitals under the Central Sector Component at a total cost of Rs. 2220
crores. These institutes include – AIIMS at Delhi, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Jodhpur, Patna, Raipur and
Rishikesh, PGIMER at Chandigarh, JIPMER at Puducherry, RIMS at Imphal, NEIGRIHMS at
Shillong and IMS of BHU at Varanasi.The allocation under the scheme broadly translates to Rs. 120
crores as capital cost which includes civil construction, ICUs, HDUs, Dialysis, OTs, MGPS, CSSD,
Hospital Beds and furniture and medical equipment. In addition, estimated operating expenses for
salary of doctors and paramedics are Rs. 28.0 crore per annum and Rs.12.0 crore per annum for
other operating expenses on running the hospital services. The recurring cost will however be
available after CCHB becomes functional and only upto 2025-26, after which Institutes will be
expected to meet this requirement out of their regular budget.So far, Rs. 433.69 Crore has been
released to these 12 Institutes.

20. National Urban Health Mission (NUHM)

National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) was approved on 1st May, 2013 as a sub-mission under an
overarching National Health Mission (NHM), NRHM being the other sub-mission. NUHM
envisages strengthening the primary health care delivery systems in urban areas and for providing
equitable and quality primary health care services to the urban population with special focus on slum
dwellers and vulnerable population. It also seeks to decongest secondary and tertiary health care
facilities (District Hospitals/Sub-District Hospitals/Community Health Centre) by providing robust
comprehensive Primary health care services in urban areas.

NUHM covers all cities and towns with more than 50,000 population and district headquarters and
State headquarters with more than 30,000 population. The remaining cities/ towns are covered under
National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). Under NUHM, UPHCs are to be established as per norm
of one U-PHC for approximately 30,000 to 50,000 urban population. Also, urban Ayushman Arogya
 Mandir below U-PHCs on the population of 15,000-20,000 have been approved under 15th FC and
PM-ABHIM. These urban Ayushman Arogya Mandir are linked to the nearest UPHC – Ayushman
Arogya Mandir for administrative, financial, reporting, and supervisory purpose.

Implementation of NUHM is through the State Health Department or the Urban Local Bodies
(ULBs). In seven metropolitan cities, viz., Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad,
Bengaluru and Ahmedabad the implementation is through the ULBs. For the other cities, the State
Health Department decides whether the NUHM is to be implemented through them or the other
urban local bodies. So far, 1215 cities have been covered under NUHM in 35 States/UTs.

Physical Progress:

The programme is being implemented in the States/UTs for more than 10 years. It has helped in
augmentation of infrastructure and human resources dedicated towards urban areas. The progress
reported by the States/UT (updated up to June,2023) in the activities approved under NUHM is as
follows-

(i) Progress under infrastructure

ax. 1,215 cities/towns are covered under NUHM

ax. 5,271 UPHCs & 227 UCHCS are functional,
ax. 4,926 UPHCs strengthened as Ayushman Arogya Mandir as per Ayushman Arogya Mandir portal as
on 18.12.2023)
ax. 4285 urban Ayushman Arogya Mandir below UPHC are operationalized as per Ayushman Arogya
Mandir portal (as on 18.12.2023)

(ii) Progress in HR under NUHM

ax. 4,693 Medical Officers in-position

ax. 341 Specialists in-position
ax. 8,288 Staff Nurse in-position
ax. 19,492 ANMS in position
ax. 3,228 Pharmacist in-position
ax. 3,548 Lab Technician in-position
ax. 535 Public Heath Managers in-position
ax. 1,623 Programme Management staff in position at State/District/City level

(iii) MHUs under NUHM

ax. 56 Mobile Medical Units are functional

(iv) Progress under Community Process

ax. 82,296 ASHAs are in position.

ax. 84,842 Mahila Arogaya Samiti (MAS) are formed.

As part of Ayushman Bharat, the existing U-PHCs are being strengthened as urban Ayushman
Arogya Mandir to provide preventive, promotive and curative services in cities closer to the
communities. So far, 4,926 U-PHCs have been converted into urban Ayushman Arogya Mandir in
the States/UTs (except Delhi).
 As per Ayushman Arogya Mandir portal data as on 18.12.2023, 5.04 Cr. screenings done for
Hypertension, 4.16 Cr. screenings done for Diabetes and around 1.91 Cr. screenings done for Oral
cancer at these Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Similarly, these functional Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
have conducted 61 lakh screening for cervical cancer and 94 lakh for breast cancer in women.

A large proportion of urban population is usually settled in congested urban settings. Accordingly,
Universal CPHC is planned to be provided through Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandir and
Polyclinics, by providing support for setting up of 11,024 Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandir in close
collaboration with Urban Local Bodies under PM-ABHIM from FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26. Such
Urban HWCs would enable decentralized delivery of primary health care services closer to people,
thereby increasing reach of the public health systems to the vulnerable and marginalized.

National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) were developed for urban health facilities in Year
2016 and institutional framework has been set up in all State/UTs. As of 30thNovember 2023, 423
UPHCs are NQAS certified at national level and additionally 266 UPHCs are NQAS certified at
state level .

Kayakalp and Swachh Swasth Sarvatra (SSS) have been expanded to cover urban areas also and
U-PHCs have been awarded Kayakalp awards. In FY 2022-23, 1771 UPHCs and 41 UCHCs
achieved 70 % and above overall score in Kayakalp external assessment and qualified for incentives
under the program.
Financial Progress:

Since the launch of NUHM in FY 2013-14 till the FY 2021-22, funds to the tune of Rs 8,788.48 cr
and 7,165.87 cr have been allocated and released respectively to the States/ UTs for implementation
of the programme activities from FY 2022-23 financial related matters have been merged with
NHM.

21. ICMR: Department of Health Research (DHR)

The major activities and achievements of Department of Health Research are as

follows:

1. Intramural Research

Intramural research is carried out through a countrywide network of 27 institutes/centres with

multiple field stations, 14 ICMR Institutes work in the area of communicable diseases; 6 in Non-
Communicable Diseases, 1 in diseases related to Reproductive and Child Health (RCH);1 in
nutrition and nutritional deficiencies, 3 in disease related to Basic Medical Sciences including
haemoglobinopathies and traditional medicine, 1 in the area of animal breeding and research and 1
is patient care and research centre. ICMR calls proposals under Intramural Research Programme. It
intends to encourage high risk, high reward research from scientists. Each institute may be
awarded between 3 to 30 crores for the projects on the priority areas based on need and quality of
research proposals based on priority research areas

2. Extramural Research

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) provides financial assistance for Indian scientists
working outside ICMR institutes to conduct research in the fields of medicine, public health, and
allied disciplines aimed at improving health of Indians under its Description of Extramural Research
Programme.

Following types of Extramural Research Grants are there:-

Investigator Initiated Research Proposals- Small Grant: Funding upto 2 crores per project for the entire
duration. The project duration will be up to a maximum period of four years.
Investigator Initiated Research Proposals-Intermediate Grant: Funding is between 2-8 crores for the
entire duration. The duration of the project will be for 4 years.
Centers for Advanced Research (CAR): Conducting decisive research that helps in solving an important
healthcare problem by an experienced research team. It can have single or multiple linked research
projects with clear deliverables. Current budgetary ceiling is 15 crores per CAR. Duration of project will
be for five years.

3. Mission Mode Research in area of National Priority

To establish National Health Research Program in the country. Ten priority areas have been
identified for solution-based research – (1) One Health, (2) AMR, (3) TB, (4) Vector Borne
Diseases (Communicable Diseases), (5) Cancer, (6) Ambulatory care for NCDs, (7) Acute
emergency care (NCDs), (8) Anemia, (9) Stunting and wasting, (10) Neonatal mortality (RCH &
Nutrition).

4. ICMR Collaborating Centre of Excellence (ICMR-CCoE) :

ICMR recognized the research groups that have conducted excellent research in the recent past as
ICMR Collaborating Centre of Excellence. In order to foster collaboration between ICMR & its
institutes and Centres of Excellence as well as amongst the Centres of Excellence. This shall
strengthen resources of the country, in terms of information, services, research and training in
support of national health development. Duration will be of 5 years.25 centres selected as ICMR
Collaborating Centre of Excellence against the call titled “Request for Expression of Interest for
ICMR Collaborating Centre of Excellence (ICMR-CCoE) ( July 31, 2023).

5. Achievements during the year:

The major activities and achievements of ICMR are given below:

1. Outbreak Response:
DHR, with its Viral Research & Diagnostic Laboratories, including the BSL-4 facility in Pune,
played a pivotal role in timely detection and containment of outbreaks like COVID-19, Nipah, Zika,
and H1N1.During recent Nipah Outbreak in Kerala, ICMR confirmed a Nipah virus outbreak in
Kuttiyadi, Kozhikode, Kerala, on September 12, 2023. Three out of five suspected cases were
positive. ICMR deployed immediate response teams for onsite diagnosis and a bat survey. A Mobile
BSL-3 facility was set up within 24 hours, testing six confirmed cases with a 33.33% fatality rate.
Biosafety measures were strictly followed, demonstrating a swift and effective response to manage
the Nipah outbreak in Kerala.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, ICMR has tirelessly worked to provide multi-pronged solutions
ranging from ramping up the testing infrastructure, monitoring the disease spread through sero-
surveys and providing novel diagnostic methods to developing vaccines for ending this contagion.

2. National One Health Mission (NOHM): Under NOHM, the National Institute of One Health
(NIOH) is established in Nagpur, supported by a national network of BSL-3 & BSL-4 labs. The
SFC for NOHM activities has been approved.
3. Disease Surveillance & Monitoring:
ICMR has initiated integrated surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza at 30 Virus Research &
Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs), having a total of 90 sub sites across the country. These sites
regularly monitor the influenza strains (both A & B) in different parts of the country and depict the
prevailing trends of Influenza A & B and their subtypes along with SARS-CoV-2. This continuous
monitoring will yield important information related to new or evolving strains of Influenza, which
has the greatest potential to cause outbreaks.
National risk map with hotspots for zoonotic disease of human importance and appropriate
preventive measure are under design.
Surveillance for Hemorrhagic fevers like Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) and Crimean Congo
Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) has been set up at 10 VRDLs along the states along the western ghats
 for KFD (Karnataka, Kerala, Goa and Maharashtra) and in the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttar
Pradesh for CCHF.
A total of 132 VRDLs have been trained and provided reagents to detect Zika virus disease in
samples negative for Dengue and Chikungunya.
4. Combatting Communicable Diseases:

The Communicable Diseases are being tackled in mission mode. Initiatives like MERA India
(Malaria Elimination Research Alliance), India TB Research Consortium (ITRC) are bringing
multiple stakeholders (national and international) under one umbrella to achieve the aim of disease
elimination. DHR-ICMR has demonstrated successful implementation models for disease
elimination. Comprehensive Case Management Programme (CCMP) model demonstrated that
universal access to malaria diagnosis and treatment, follow-up of patients with enhanced surveillance
can dramatically reduce the number of malaria cases (85%). CCMP learning experience and several
best practices from CCMP have been incorporated into the existing NVBDCP programme. Vaishali
Model reduced the incidence of Kala Azar to <1 case per 10,000 and is being replicated by in
Saran/Siwan district of Bihar on request of state government.

DHR-ICMR has been committed towards TB elimination. To assess the true burden of TB, the
National TB Prevalence survey was conducted in all states/UTs. It is committed towards providing a
cost-effective and PHC friendly diagnostics, a universal TB treatment and a vaccine to achieve the
target of ‘End TB 2025’. ICMR implemented the first state wise differentiated TB care model in
India aimed at reducing TB deaths. The following industry technologies validated by ICMR have
been recommended to National Programmes thereby promoting Make-in-India in the Pharmaceutical
sector.

PathoDetect TM MTB RIF & INH drug resistance kits

PathoDetect TM MTB & NTM Detection Kits
C-TB with QuantiFERONR-TB Gold Plus and 2.T.U Tuberculin PPD RT23 SSI for detection of TB
infection in general and key population AI TB: ICMR has uploaded 2128 Tb and 1147 non-TB
annotated X-rays to train the software to diagnose TB through Artificial Intelligence. There were
1801 TB, 389 Non-TB, and 117 normal cases from our site in Phase-I to train the AI tool. The AI
tool was validated in phase II mode, and 786 cases have been uploaded.
5. Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination:

Realizing the PM’s vision of Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination , ICMR has established NIIH-Centre
for Research, Management and Control of Haemolglobinopathies at Chandrapur, Maharashtra to
address the problem of sickle cell anemia, a major health issue in this region. The Centre screens the
population for sickle cell disease, and counsel and trains various state healthcare providers for
effective control of hemoglobinopathies.

6. Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs):

DHR-ICMR is addressing the rising burden of Non-Communicable Diseases at top priority level
through programs like India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI), Mission Delhi, India Cancer
Research Consortium, Stroke network etc. IHCI is ICMR’s collaborative initiative with MoHFW,
WHO & state governments aimed to reduce deaths from heart attacks & strokes. It is playing a
critical role in regularizing hypertension treatment across primary care facilities in 100 districts in 23
states by providing free drugs & quality treatment to 34lakh patients. The tech driven innovations in
the IHCI program allowed India to track over 2 million patients digitally, with minimal burden on
human resources and on clinics. 50% patients tracked in real time achieved BP control. The initiative
was awarded 2022 UN Inter-Agency Task Force and the WHO special program on Primary Health
Care Award during United Nation General Assembly on 21st September 2022.

7. Revolutionizing Healthcare System through use of drones:

 The i-Drone project has transformed the Indian healthcare system by using drones to transport
vaccines and medical supplies in the challenging terrains of the North Eastern States and Himachal
Pradesh. The medical supplies delivered under the i-Drone project included COVID-19 vaccines,
vaccines used in routine immunization programs, antenatal care medicines, multi-vitamins, syringes
and gloves. Apart from these, clinical samples for testing were also delivered from PHCs & sub
centres to Regional Hospital. The drone delivery system focused on an end-to-end ecosystem for
drone-based logistic transportation within the states and was the first successful example of
delivering vaccines through drones from land to islands in South Asia. The longest drone flight under
this project carried 3525 units of medical supplies from Mokokchung to the district Tuensang in
Nagaland (approx. 40 km). A total of 18,275 units of medical supplies were delivered. The drones
covered a total of 735 km in terms of aerial distance in approximately 12 hours, whereas, the total
road distance for all the sites would have been around 2000 km, which might have taken 50 hours
and demanded several other logistic challenges. In Himachal Pradesh, deliveries were delivered at
14,000 ft and -10°C. Drones repeatedly and accurately delivered medical supplies faster than other
methods deployed for delivery and without additional risks to personnel or manned airframe.

Leveraging upon the recent liberal regulation policies in India for low-altitude airspace for drones,
the current feasibility study paved the path for using unmanned drones for the delivery of life-saving
medical supplies in austere environments in the future.

8. Medical Device and Diagnostics Mission Secretariat:

Indian Council of Medical research (ICMR), has established a ‘Medical Device and Diagnostics
Mission Secretariat’ (MDMS) at its headquarters to support and catalyze research, development and
indigenous manufacturing of cost-effective medical devices and diagnostics in synergy with National
Health Mission (NHM), Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness centers.
ICMR is following a multipronged approach for facilitating technology adoption for enabling
accessibility, acceptability and availability of technologies in the medical device and diagnostic
sector including drafting of effective policies for promoting innovation and entrepreneurship
development by Medical doctors and Institutes. It has also set-up various Centers of Excellence
(CoEs) at IITs in collaboration with medical institutes for fostering technology development, with
focused approach of supporting technologies aligned with national health priorities. ICMR is also
facilitating preclinical, clinical evaluation and Health Technology Assessment (HTA) of such frugal
indigenous technologies for facilitating technology adoption for ensuring societal impact.

Multiple indigenous technologies have been developed:

Launched a kit for detection of hemophilia A and von willebrand disease (VWD): Cost effective, Point of
care.
A rapid detection kit for Orientia tsutsugamushi diagnosis has been developed
KFDV Point of Care Assay in collaboration with Mol Bio Diagnostics Pvt Ltd, Goa, for detection of KFD
viral RNA from clinical samples was developed.
Developed and standardized a onetube combo RT-qPCR kit for simultaneous detection of SARS-CoV-2
and influenza viruses and distributed to VRDL network

9. Sudden Deaths:

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conducted a multicentric case-control study on
sudden deaths among young adults in India, prompted by concerns about a potential link between
COVID-19 infection or vaccination and such incidents. The study, spanning October 2021 to March
2023, involved 47 tertiary care hospitals and found that COVID-19 vaccination did not increase the
risk of sudden death in healthy young adults. In fact, vaccination was identified as a mitigating
factor, reducing sudden deaths in the 18-45 age group. The study identified other risk factors,
including a family history of sudden death, prior hospitalization due to COVID-19, binge drinking,
and intense, unaccustomed physical activity shortly before the untimely demise. The findings were
published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research.
 10. MoA with AcSIR to promote Medical Research

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Academy of Scientific and Innovative
Research (AcSIR) have inked a transformative Memorandum of Agreement (MoA). This
collaboration aims to bolster the nation's biomedical research efforts, foster innovation, and elevate
the calibre of research professionals. All the current Institutes under ICMR, ICMR HQs. and
Department of Health Research (DHR), will be recognized as Associate Academic Centres of AcSIR
providing avenues for Ph.D. and postgraduate students. This presents an exciting opportunity to train
a substantial number of Ph.D. and postgraduate students, especially creation of physician scientists,
by creating opportunities for doing PhD to those with MD or MBBS degrees.

22. Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM):

Pradhan Mantri Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana scheme (now renamed as Pradhan Mantri
Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission, PM-ABHIM) with an outlay of about Rs. 64,180
Cr was launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister on 25th October, 2021, to be implemented during the
scheme period from FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26. This is the largest pan-India scheme for
strengthening healthcare infrastructure across the country. The measures under the scheme focus on
developing capacities of health systems and institutions across the continuum of care at all levels viz.
primary, secondary and tertiary and on preparing health systems in responding effectively to the
current and future pandemics/disasters.
The Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission targets to build an IT enabled
disease surveillance system by developing a network of surveillance laboratories at block, district,
regional and national levels, in Metropolitan areas & strengthening health units at the Points of
Entry, for effectively detecting, investigating, preventing, and combating Public Health Emergencies
and Disease Outbreaks.

Increased investments are also targeted to support research on COVID-19 and other infectious
diseases, including biomedical research to generate evidence to inform short-term and medium-term
response to COVID-19 like pandemics and to develop core capacity to deliver the One Health
Approach to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks in animals and humans.

The main interventions under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission’
scheme to be achieved by FY 2025-26 are:

Centrally Sponsored Components:

1. Infrastructure Support for 17,788 rural Health and Wellness Centres in 10 High Z Grants
and NHM.
2. Establishing 11,024 urban Health and Wellness Centres in all the States.
3. 3382 Block Public Health Units in11 High Focus states. Support for other States/UTs under XV
Finance Commission Health Sector Grants and NHM.
4. Setting up of Integrated Public Health Labs in all districts.
5. Establishing Critical Care Hospital Blocks in all districts with population more than 5 lakhs.

Progress so far under the CSS components:

Administrative approvals have been accorded to States/UTs for an amount of Rs. 14,138.98 Crore for
construction/strengthening of 7,808 Sub-Health Centres- Health & wellness Centres, 1,528 U-HWCs, 890
BPHUs, 352 IPHLs at District level and 278 CCB for FY 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24.

Central Sector Components:

 1. 12 Central Institutions as training and mentoring sites with 150 bedded Critical Care Hospital
Blocks.
2. Strengthening of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), 5 New Regional NCDCs and 20
metropolitan health surveillance units;
3. Expansion of the Integrated Health Information Portal to all States/UTs to connect all public health
labs;
4. Operationalization of 17 new Public Health Units and strengthening of 33 existing Public Health
Units at Points of Entry, that is at 32 Airports, 11 Seaports and 7 land crossings;
5. Setting up of 15 Health Emergency Operation Centres and 2 container based mobile hospitals; and
6. Setting up of a national institution for One Health, 4 New National Institutes for Virology, a
Regional Research Platform for WHO South East Asia Region and 9 Biosafety Level III
laboratories.

Progress so far:

In the first year of support (2022-23), a total of 33 labs will be strengthened as per target. Fund release for
20 labs has been processed.
Land allocation for new NIVs and One health Institute at Dibrugarh, Jabalpur, Jammu, Bangalore and
Nagpur (One Health) has been completed. Contracts awarded to CPWD.

Tenders in process.

Building comprehensive surveillance system with more than 4000 labs.

Digitization of analytics, forecasting & early warning systems through the Integrated Health Information
Platform (IHIP). It is designed to capture real-time, case-based epidemiological data of more than 33 plus
health conditions.
37,000 new critical care beds with ICU & Oxygen.
Health units at 50 International Points of Entry: 32 Airports, 11 Seaports & 7 land crossings.

23. National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control

1.Malaria

India has set the goal of achieving malaria elimination by 2030.

India has made substantial progress in reducing malaria burden. The country has achieved a reduction of
85% in malaria morbidity and 78.38% in malaria mortality between 2015 and 2022.
In 2022, a total of 1,76,522 malaria cases with 1,01,068 Plasmodium falciparum cases and 83 deaths were
reported across the country.
In 2023, (up to November, 2023- provisional) total 1,77,333 malaria cases with 1,14,746 Plasmodium
falciparum cases and 32 deaths were reported across the country.
In 2022, National Annual Parasite Incidence (API) (Number of malaria cases per 1000 population), was
0.13 per 1000 population and total 34 States/UTs have achieved API < 1, except 2 States Tripura (3.25)
and Mizoram (8.90).
In 2022, a total 128 districts in the country have reported ‘zero malaria cases.
In 2022, out of 758 districts only 27 districts (Chhattisgarh (3), A&N
Island (1), Jharkhand (2), Maharashtra (1), Meghalaya (1), Mizoram (4),Odisha (5), Tripura (5) and West
Bengal (1) have district API > 1 per 1000 population.
Implementation of Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) for real time monitoring of malaria
surveillance. GoI has onboarded all the 36 States/UTs completely in IHIP for Malaria module.
In 2022, total 11,45,408 of LLIN were supplied to Chhattisgarh and in 2023, total 1,14,541of LLINs were
distributed to Tripura.
In FY 2023-24, 112 Lakh LLINs are under distribution for Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Tripura and
46 Lakhs LLINs distribution is in pipeline under GFATM for 7 NE states and 1.63 crore LLINs are to be
procured under DBS of 24 States.
NCVBDC displayed journey towards malaria elimination, achievements of the Malaria program during
the Asia Pacific Leaders’ Conclave on Malaria Elimination 2023 held in New Delhi on April 24, 2023, to
sensitise the national and global audience.

1.2 Kala-Azar
During 2023 up to November end 562 Kala-azar cases have been reported in comparison to 851 cases
reported during corresponding period of 2022, reporting a reduction of 34% of cases.
Out of 633 endemic blocks only one block was reported > 1 case per 10,000 population at block level
during 2022 and as of 2023 November, none of the endemic block reported incidence more than 1 case per
10,000 population at block level.
Mann Ki Baat on Elimination of Kala-azar by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on 25th December 2022
and dissemination of Mann Ki Baat video during Ratri Choupal initiative in high endemic villages.
Hon’ble HFM reviewed Kala-azar with Health Ministers of 4 Kala-azar endemic states on 4th January
023.NCVBDC showcased the progress of Visceral Leishmaniasis Elimination in India during the
exhibition at G20 First Health Working Group Meeting, Trivandrum, Kerala on 18th & 19th January 2023
and at G20 Health Ministers Meeting held in Gujarat on 9th and 11th August 2023.

24. National Ambulance Services (NAS):

As on date, 34 States/UTs have the facility where people can dial 108 or 102 telephone number for calling
an ambulance. Dial 108 is predominantly an emergency response system, primarily designed to attend to
patients of critical care, trauma and accident victims etc. Dial 102 services essentially consist of basic
patient transport aimed to cater the needs of pregnant women and children though other categories are also
taking benefit and are not excluded. Janani Shi6hu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSKJ) entitlements e.g. free
transport from home to facility, inter facility transfer in case of referral and drop back for mother and
children are the key focus of 102 service.
This service can be accessed through a toll-free call to a dedicated call centre. As on 3Oth June.
2023, 2957 also 14,613 BLS, 4259 PTV, 17 Boat and 81 Bike, Emergency Response Service
Vehicles are supported under NHM, besides 6936 empanelled vehicles for transportation of
 patients, particularly pregnant women and sick infants from home to public health facilities and
back.

25.National Mobile Medical Units (NMMUS):

Support to Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) under NHM, now encompassing both NRHIVI and
NUHM, is a key strategy to facilitate access to public health care particularly to people living in
remote, difficult under-served and unreached areas. As on 30th June, 2023, States/UTs have 1,525
mobile medical units which includes mobile medical units, mobile health units, mobile
medical/health vans, boat clinics, eye vans/ mobile ophthalmic units, dental vans under NRHM
and NUHM.

26 .24 X 7 Services and First Referral facilities

To ensure service provision for maternal and child health, 24x7 services at the PHCs have been
made available. As on 30th June 2023, 12369 PHCs have been made 24x7 PHCs and 3095
facilities (including 698 DH, 857 SDH and 1377 CHCs & 163 other level) have been
operationalized as First Referral Units (FRUs). Besides, NHM envisages provision of assured and
high-quality maternal and child health services to be delivered with dignity and care at public
health institutions. Gol launched MCH wings to facilitate assured admission for institutional
delivery for all pregnant women. These wings are equipped with obstetric HDUs, lCUs, maternity
OT, Labor rooms ensuring respectful maternity care etc. for managing high-risk pregnancies and
those requiring C-sections. These centres also have skill labs for training of nurses and doctors for
providing high quality and skilled maternity care.

*******

MV

(Release ID: 1990674) Visitor Counter : 14325

Read this release in: Tamil , Hindi