Daily Current Affairs : 18-January-2025
The PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) is a significant government initiative designed to enhance and strengthen healthcare infrastructure across India. It was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2021-22 with a substantial budget of ₹64,180 crore, allocated for the period from 2021 to 2026. The mission aims to address critical gaps in the healthcare system, improve surveillance systems, and boost health research at all levels of care.
Key Objectives of PM-ABHIM
The primary objective of PM-ABHIM is to improve healthcare accessibility and infrastructure, especially in rural and underserved urban areas. This mission focuses on strengthening the healthcare system at three levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary care.
- Enhance Healthcare Infrastructure: The mission aims to establish and strengthen healthcare institutions to provide better services at all levels of care.
- Improve Surveillance Systems: Strengthening surveillance capabilities helps in better disease detection and response.
- Boost Health Research: The mission promotes research capabilities in the field of health to ensure preparedness for future health challenges.
Key Features and Components of PM-ABHIM
The mission includes both national and state-level components aimed at strengthening healthcare across India.
National Components:
- Establishment of 12 Central Institutions with 150-bedded Critical Care Blocks to handle emergencies.
- Strengthening the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and setting up regional NCDCs to improve disease surveillance.
- Expansion of the Integrated Health Information Portal to connect all public health labs.
- Setting up 15 Health Emergency Operation Centres, along with mobile hospitals and specialized health units at key entry points like airports, seaports, and land crossings.
State Support:
- Construction of 17,788 rural Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) to improve healthcare access in rural areas.
- Establishment of 11,024 urban HWCs, particularly focusing on slum areas.
- Development of 3,382 Block Public Health Units (BPHUs) and Integrated Public Health Labs (IPHLs) in 730 districts.
- Creation of Critical Care Hospital Blocks (CCBs) in 602 districts with populations over 5 lakh to improve referral linkages.
Pandemic Preparedness
PM-ABHIM also focuses on improving India’s readiness for future pandemics. This includes the creation of One Health institutions, new National Institutes for Virology, and the establishment of Biosafety Level III labs to support research and disaster preparedness.
Focus on Urban and Rural Areas
The mission places a significant emphasis on improving healthcare in both urban slum populations and hard-to-reach rural regions. By targeting these underserved areas, PM-ABHIM seeks to ensure that no one is left behind in the country’s healthcare development.
Important Points
- PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) launched in 2021-22 with a budget of ₹64,180 crore for the period 2021-2026.
- Objective: To strengthen healthcare infrastructure, improve surveillance, and enhance health research at all levels of care.
- Key Goals:
- Improve healthcare accessibility in rural and urban areas.
- Strengthen surveillance systems for disease detection and response.
- Boost health research and disaster readiness for future health challenges.
Key Features:
- National Components:
- Establish 12 Central Institutions with 150-bedded Critical Care Blocks.
- Strengthen National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and create regional NCDCs.
- Expand the Integrated Health Information Portal to link all public health labs.
- Set up 15 Health Emergency Operation Centres and mobile hospitals at key entry points like airports, seaports, and land crossings.
- State Support:
- Construction of 17,788 rural Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) in rural and difficult areas.
- Establishment of 11,024 urban HWCs in slum-like areas.
- Development of 3,382 Block Public Health Units (BPHUs) and Integrated Public Health Labs (IPHLs) in 730 districts.
- Creation of Critical Care Hospital Blocks (CCBs) in 602 districts with populations over 5 lakh.
- Pandemic Preparedness:
- Establish One Health institutions and new National Institutes for Virology.
- Set up Biosafety Level III labs for research and disaster readiness.
- Focus on Underserved Areas: Special emphasis on improving healthcare in slum populations and hard-to-reach rural regions.
- Overall Aim: Strengthen the healthcare system to provide better services and ensure preparedness for future health emergencies.
Why In News
The Supreme Court stayed the Delhi High Court’s directive for the Delhi government to sign an MoU with the Centre to implement the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), temporarily halting the process while it reviews the legal aspects of the case. This decision has delayed the formal collaboration between the Delhi government and the Centre for strengthening healthcare infrastructure under the mission.
MCQs about PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission
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What is the main aim of the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM)?
A. To provide financial aid to hospitals
B. To strengthen healthcare infrastructure across India
C. To improve urban housing
D. To train doctors and nurses
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Which of the following is a key component of the national-level initiatives under PM-ABHIM?
A. Establishment of 12 Central Institutions with 150-bedded Critical Care Blocks
B. Distribution of free medicines to all citizens
C. Construction of new schools in rural areas
D. Establishment of more factories for medical supplies
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Which area is specifically targeted for healthcare infrastructure development under PM-ABHIM?
A. Only urban areas
B. Only rural areas
C. Both urban slums and rural regions
D. Only large metropolitan cities
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