health care policy in india
March 13, 2025

Health Care Policy in India: Ultimate Guide to National Health Programmes & Schemes [2025]

health care policy in india

Table of Contents

India, a nation of over 1.4 billion people, faces immense challenges and opportunities in providing health care services to all. Over the years, the health care policy in India has evolved to provide universal, equitable, and affordable healthcare services, especially to poor and marginalized communities.

Through robust planning, strategic national initiatives, and integrated schemes, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched numerous national health programmes and health schemes in India by the government to bridge the gap between healthcare demand and supply.

📎 Official Source: Press Information Bureau – Healthcare Schemes Under NHM

Understanding Health Care Policy in India

The health care policy in India is shaped by constitutional mandates and socio-economic requirements. While public health is a State subject, the central government plays a pivotal role in policy formulation, funding, programme design, and technical support.

Major national schemes focus on:

  • Preventive and curative care
  • Disease surveillance and control
  • Health infrastructure strengthening
  • Primary to tertiary care facilities
  • Public-private partnerships

National Health Mission (NHM): Backbone of India’s Healthcare

Launched in 2005, the National Health Mission (NHM) is India’s flagship programme aimed at improving healthcare delivery across rural and urban populations.

Sub-Missions:

  • National Rural Health Mission (NRHM): Targets rural and underserved areas.
  • National Urban Health Mission (NUHM): Focuses on urban poor and slum populations.

NHM provides free services across:

  • Maternal & Child Health
  • Immunisation
  • Adolescent Health
  • Non-Communicable and Communicable Diseases
  • Telemedicine and Mobile Medical Units

Health Schemes in India by the Government

The health schemes in India by the government under NHM include critical services and initiatives such as:

  • Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK): Free drugs, diagnostics, diet, transport for pregnant women and newborns.
  • Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): Monetary incentives to promote institutional deliveries.
  • Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA): Monthly ANC by specialists.
  • SUMAN: Comprehensive maternal and child health care services.
  • Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK): Screening children for 30+ health conditions.
  • Mera Aspataal: Patient feedback initiative.
  • Free Drug and Diagnostic Services: Reduces out-of-pocket expenses.

National Health Programmes List (Communicable Diseases)

The national health programmes list focuses significantly on communicable diseases:

1. National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme (NVBDCP):

Covers Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis, Kala Azar, Lymphatic Filariasis. Activities include:

  • Fogging and anti-larval measures
  • Blood smear testing
  • Disease surveillance and treatment

2. National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP):

Launched in 2018 to eliminate Hepatitis C by 2030 and reduce Hepatitis B.

  • Treatment centres at all districts
  • Free diagnostics and antiviral drugs

3. National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP):

India aims to eliminate TB by 2025. Facilities include:

  • Free diagnostic tools (CBNAAT, X-ray)
  • Free medications
  • Nutritional support (Nikshay Poshan Yojana)

4. National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP):

Started in 1983 for free treatment, disability care, and awareness.

5. National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP):

Provides free ARV and ARS to dog/animal bite victims.

6. Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP – IHIP):

Digital real-time surveillance for early outbreak detection. IHIP is now replacing traditional IDSP reporting.

National Health Programmes (Non-Communicable Diseases)

NCDs are a major concern. The national programme list includes dedicated programmes:

1. NPCDCS (Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, Stroke):

  • District-level NCD clinics
  • Free screenings and diagnostics
  • Cardiac care units

2. National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP):

  • Awareness campaigns
  • Implementation of Tobacco Control Act

3. Other NCD Programmes:

  • National Oral Health Programme
  • National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCBVI)
  • National Programme for Deafness (NPPCD)
  • National Programme for Elderly (NPHCE)
  • National Mental Health Programme
  • PM National Dialysis Programme (PMNDP)

Supporting Infrastructure & Quality Initiatives

  • 102-108 Ambulance Services: JK Emergency Medical Services for urgent care.
  • Biomedical Equipment Maintenance Programme (BEMMP): Ensures functional medical equipment.
  • DVDMS: Digitized medicine and vaccine supply chain.
  • Kayakalp: Cleanliness awards to public hospitals.
  • National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS): Benchmarking public health facilities.

Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS):

Promotes menstrual health awareness and free distribution of sanitary napkins in rural areas.


ASHA Programme:

Accredited Social Health Activists serve as grassroots health workers. They provide:

  • Home-based newborn care
  • Immunisation follow-ups
  • Health education and awareness
  • Tracking maternal and infant deaths

Climate & Health: National Programme on Climate Change & Human Health (NPCCHH):

  • Studies the climate impact on health
  • Strengthens healthcare preparedness for climate-related illnesses

DNB Courses in District Hospitals:

Enhancing quality medical education and healthcare manpower at district levels.


Blood Services & Transfusion Technology:

  • 25 Blood Banks & 30 Storage Units in J&K
  • NAT testing in major hospitals
  • Mobile blood collection vans

Ayushman Bharat Programme (AB-HWC & PMJAY)

1. Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs):

  • Basic primary health services
  • NCD screening
  • Nutrition counseling
  • Child and maternal health services

2. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY):

  • ₹5 lakh insurance cover per family
  • Over 10.74 crore families covered
  • Free secondary and tertiary care

State-wise Hospital Admissions under PMJAY (As on 24.06.2019):

State Admissions State Admissions
Andaman & Nicobar22Andhra Pradesh135,346
Arunachal Pradesh652Assam47,631
Bihar48,711Chandigarh835
Chhattisgarh564,568Dadra & Nagar Haveli12,081
Daman & Diu4,465Goa1,415
Gujarat487,636Haryana27,811
Himachal Pradesh19,145Jammu & Kashmir19,303
Jharkhand184,760Karnataka197,799
Kerala531,740Madhya Pradesh96,029
Maharashtra139,906Manipur3,289
Meghalaya15,404Mizoram13,422
Nagaland945Sikkim122
Tamil Nadu239,438Tripura17,505
Uttar Pradesh119,204Uttarakhand49,815
West Bengal17,636Total2,996,635

Official Source: Press Information Bureau – Healthcare Schemes Under NHM

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is health care policy in India?

It includes government initiatives and schemes that provide free or affordable healthcare services.

Q2. What are the health schemes in India by the government?

Major schemes include NHM, AB-PMJAY, JSY, JSSK, NTCP, NPCDCS, etc.

Q3. What is included in the national health programmes list?

Schemes tackling both communicable and non-communicable diseases

Q4. How does PMJAY benefit families?

It provides ₹5 lakh free insurance to over 10 crore families.

Q5. What services are free under NHM?

Drugs, diagnostics, ambulance, maternity care, child care, NCD treatment, etc.

Q6. What is RBSK?

A programme for early detection and treatment of child health issues from birth to age 18.

Q7. What is the role of ASHA workers in health care policy in India?

ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers are the backbone of community health. They ensure doorstep health education, maternal care, immunization tracking, newborn care, and connect citizens to health schemes in India by the government.

Q8. What is the significance of National Health Programmes in rural areas?

National health programmes ensure rural populations have access to disease prevention, treatment, awareness, and screening. They help in early diagnosis, reducing health inequalities, and strengthening public healthcare delivery.

Q9. How do Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWC) support national health programmes?

AB-HWCs provide integrated primary healthcare services including NCD screenings, immunizations, maternal-child care, and nutrition counseling, aligning with all national health programmes under Ayushman Bharat.

Q10. Why is health care policy in India crucial for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC)?

Health care policy in India ensures that health services are accessible, affordable, and equitable. Through schemes like NHM and AB-PMJAY, it enables the country to move closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage for all.

Conclusion

India’s health care policy is transforming lives. With detailed planning, robust execution, and a comprehensive national programme list, the country is making healthcare accessible and affordable. The health schemes in India by the government are not just schemes—they are a commitment to healthier citizens and a stronger nation.

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