5M
1. DOTS Strategy (Under NTEP)
DOTS stands for Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course. It is the core strategy of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme. It was introduced under the Revised National TB Control Programme. The first component is political and administrative commitment. Second is case detection by sputum smear microscopy. Third is standardized short-course chemotherapy regimen. Fourth is direct observation of treatment to ensure compliance. Fifth is uninterrupted supply of quality anti-TB drugs. Systematic monitoring and recording is maintained. DOTS improves cure rate and prevents drug resistance.
2. Pulse Polio Programme
Pulse Polio Programme was launched in 1995 in India. It aims to eradicate poliomyelitis through mass immunization. All children below 5 years receive oral polio vaccine. National Immunization Days are organized annually. Booth-based vaccination is followed by house-to-house visits. Multiple doses are given to interrupt virus transmission. Surveillance is done through Acute Flaccid Paralysis reporting. Rapid response is done for suspected cases. India was declared polio-free in 2014. It is a major achievement under Universal Immunization Programme.
3. Cold Chain
Cold chain is a system of storing and transporting vaccines safely. It maintains vaccine potency from manufacturer to beneficiary. Most vaccines are stored between +2ยฐC and +8ยฐC. Deep freezers are used for OPV and measles vaccine. Ice-lined refrigerators are used at PHC level. Cold boxes and vaccine carriers are used for transport. Vaccine vial monitors indicate temperature exposure. Temperature chart is maintained regularly. Break in cold chain reduces vaccine effectiveness. Proper cold chain ensures successful immunization.
4. ASHA Worker (Under NHM)
ASHA means Accredited Social Health Activist. It is a community health volunteer under National Health Mission. One ASHA is appointed for every 1000 population. She is selected from the local village community. She promotes antenatal care and institutional delivery. She motivates families for immunization and family planning. She provides health education and basic first aid. She distributes ORS, IFA and contraceptives. She acts as link between community and health system. She receives performance-based incentives.
5. Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)
Janani Suraksha Yojana was launched in 2005. It is a safe motherhood scheme under National Health Mission. The aim is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. It promotes institutional delivery among poor women. Cash incentives are provided to beneficiaries. ASHA worker also receives incentive for assistance. Special focus is given to low performing states. Eligibility includes BPL and SC/ST women. It encourages skilled birth attendance. JSY improves maternal health outcomes.
6. RMNCH+A Approach
RMNCH+A stands for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health. It was launched in 2013 under National Health Mission. The plus sign indicates continuum of care approach. It links reproductive and child health services. It includes family planning services. It focuses on reduction of maternal mortality rate. It aims to reduce infant and child mortality. Adolescent health services are included. It strengthens health system delivery. It ensures life-cycle approach to healthcare.
7. Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP)
IDSP was launched in 2004. Its aim is early detection of disease outbreaks. It collects weekly surveillance data from health facilities. Data is reported from subcentre to district level. It monitors epidemic-prone diseases. Rapid Response Teams investigate outbreaks. Laboratory support is provided at district level. Data analysis gives early warning signals. It helps in quick public health response. It prevents spread of communicable diseases.
8. National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP)
NIDDCP was launched in 1962. It aims to prevent iodine deficiency disorders. Main strategy is universal iodization of salt. Iodized salt should contain 15 ppm iodine at consumer level. It prevents goitre and cretinism. Monitoring is done through urinary iodine levels. Quality control of iodized salt is ensured. Public awareness is promoted regularly. It reduces mental retardation in children. It is an important national nutrition programme.
9. National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP)
NVBDCP controls malaria, dengue, chikungunya and filariasis. It also covers kala-azar and Japanese encephalitis. Early diagnosis and complete treatment is provided. Vector control includes indoor residual spraying. Use of insecticide-treated bed nets is promoted. Larval control measures are implemented. Mass drug administration is used for filariasis. Surveillance and outbreak response are strengthened. Community participation is encouraged. It reduces morbidity and mortality from vector diseases.
10. NPCDCS Programme
NPCDCS stands for National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke. It was launched in 2010. It aims to prevent and control major non-communicable diseases. Screening is done at community level. Early diagnosis and treatment facilities are strengthened. Lifestyle modification is promoted. Health education campaigns are conducted. District NCD clinics are established. Training of health staff is provided. It reduces burden of chronic diseases.
10M
- National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP)
Introduction National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme is the national programme for control and elimination of tuberculosis in India. It was earlier known as Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme.
Objectives Eliminate tuberculosis by 2025. Reduce TB incidence and mortality. Provide universal access to diagnosis and treatment.
Strategies Early case detection by sputum microscopy and CBNAAT. Free anti-tuberculosis drugs under DOTS strategy. Management of drug-resistant TB. Nutritional support through Nikshay Poshan Yojana. Contact tracing and preventive therapy.
Monitoring Nikshay portal for case notification and tracking. Regular supervision and evaluation at district level.
Conclusion NTEP focuses on early detection, complete treatment and prevention to eliminate TB.
- National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP)
Introduction National Leprosy Eradication Programme aims to eliminate leprosy as a public health problem in India.
Objectives Reduce prevalence rate to less than 1 per 10,000 population. Early detection and complete treatment of cases. Prevent disability due to leprosy.
Strategies Free multidrug therapy for all cases. Active case detection campaigns. Disability prevention and medical rehabilitation. IEC activities to reduce stigma.
Monitoring Surveillance through district leprosy units. Regular reporting and evaluation.
Conclusion India achieved elimination status in 2005 but continuous surveillance is maintained.
- National AIDS Control Programme (NACP)
Introduction National AIDS Control Programme was launched in 1992 to control HIV infection in India.
Objectives Prevent new HIV infections. Provide care, support and treatment. Reduce HIV related mortality.
Strategies Awareness and behaviour change communication. Targeted interventions for high-risk groups. Safe blood transfusion services. Prevention of parent to child transmission. Free antiretroviral therapy centres.
Monitoring HIV sentinel surveillance system. Supervision by National AIDS Control Organization.
Conclusion NACP has significantly reduced HIV prevalence in India.
- National Health Mission (NHM)
Introduction National Health Mission was launched in 2013 by merging NRHM and NUHM to strengthen healthcare delivery.
Objectives Improve access to quality healthcare. Reduce maternal and infant mortality. Strengthen public health infrastructure.
Components Strengthening of rural and urban health services. ASHA worker programme. Free drugs and diagnostics. Maternal and child health services.
Monitoring District health action plans. Community participation through village health committees.
Conclusion NHM strengthens primary healthcare system in India.
- Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)
Introduction Universal Immunization Programme was launched in 1985 to provide free vaccination to all children and pregnant women.
Objectives Protect against vaccine preventable diseases. Reduce infant and child mortality.
Vaccines Included BCG, OPV, Hepatitis B. DPT, Pentavalent, Measles, Rotavirus. Tetanus toxoid for pregnant women.
Strategies Routine immunization sessions. Cold chain maintenance. Surveillance of adverse events.
Conclusion UIP is one of the largest immunization programmes in the world.
- National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS)
Introduction NPCDCS was launched in 2010 to control major non communicable diseases.
Objectives Prevent and control NCDs. Early diagnosis and management. Promote healthy lifestyle.
Strategies Screening of population above 30 years. Establishment of NCD clinics. Health education activities. Capacity building of health workers.
Monitoring Data collection through district NCD cells.
Conclusion NPCDCS reduces morbidity and mortality due to chronic diseases.
- Reproductive and Child Health Programme (RCH)
Introduction RCH Programme was launched in 1997 to integrate maternal and child health services.
Objectives Reduce maternal mortality rate. Reduce infant mortality rate. Promote reproductive health.
Components Antenatal, intranatal and postnatal care. Immunization services. Family planning services. Emergency obstetric care.
Strategies Institutional delivery promotion. Skilled birth attendance. Referral transport services.
Conclusion RCH ensures comprehensive care for mother and child.
- National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB)
Introduction NPCB was launched in 1976 to reduce prevalence of blindness in India.
Objectives Reduce blindness prevalence to 0.3 percent. Provide accessible eye care services.
Strategies Cataract surgery camps. School eye screening programme. Free distribution of spectacles. Promotion of eye donation.
Monitoring District blindness control societies supervise programme.
Conclusion NPCB has significantly reduced avoidable blindness.
- National Mental Health Programme (NMHP)
Introduction National Mental Health Programme was launched in 1982 to provide mental health services at community level.
Objectives Ensure availability of mental health services. Reduce stigma and discrimination. Promote community participation.
Strategies District Mental Health Programme implementation. Training of primary care doctors. Awareness campaigns. Integration with primary healthcare.
Monitoring Supervision at district and state level.
Conclusion NMHP integrates mental health services into general healthcare system.
- National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE)
Introduction NPHCE was launched in 2010 to provide dedicated healthcare services for elderly population.
Objectives Provide preventive and curative services. Promote active and healthy ageing.
Strategies Geriatric clinics at PHC and CHC level. Regional geriatric centres at medical colleges. Home based care services. Rehabilitation and counselling.
Monitoring Programme supervision at district and state level.
Conclusion NPHCE improves quality of life of elderly persons.
20M
- National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP)
Introduction
Tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme is the national programme for prevention, control and elimination of tuberculosis in India. It was launched in 1997 as Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme and renamed as NTEP in 2020. India aims to eliminate TB by 2025.
Definition of Elimination
Elimination means reducing incidence to less than 1 case per 1 lakh population per year.
Objectives
Eliminate TB in India by 2025. Reduce TB incidence and mortality. Ensure universal access to quality diagnosis and treatment. Prevent emergence of drug resistant TB.
Epidemiology
India has the highest TB burden globally. Major risk factors include malnutrition, HIV infection, diabetes, overcrowding and poverty.
Strategies of NTEP
- Early Diagnosis
Case detection by sputum smear microscopy. Molecular diagnostic tests like CBNAAT and TrueNat. Universal drug susceptibility testing.
- Free and Complete Treatment
Standardized short course chemotherapy. Daily fixed dose combination drugs. Separate regimen for drug resistant TB.
- Directly Observed Treatment
Treatment adherence ensured by health worker. Community based DOT providers are involved.
- Nutritional Support
Nikshay Poshan Yojana provides financial assistance to TB patients.
- Contact Tracing
Screening of household contacts. Preventive therapy for eligible contacts.
- Management of Drug Resistant TB
Second line drugs are provided free of cost. Special DR TB centres are established.
- Public Private Partnership
Private sector notification is mandatory. Engagement of NGOs and private practitioners.
- Surveillance and Monitoring
Nikshay portal for case notification and tracking. Regular monitoring and evaluation at district and state level.
Organizational Structure
Central TB Division at national level. State TB cells at state level. District TB centres at district level. Tuberculosis units at block level.
Flow of Services
Suspected case โ Sputum examination โ Diagnosis โ Drug susceptibility testing โ Start treatment โ Follow up and monitoring
Achievements
Expansion of molecular diagnostic facilities. Free treatment for all TB patients. Improved case notification rates. Reduction in TB mortality.
Conclusion
National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme is a comprehensive programme focusing on early diagnosis, complete treatment, prevention, surveillance and community participation. It aims to eliminate tuberculosis from India by 2025 through strong political commitment and public health action.
- National Health Mission (NHM)
Introduction
National Health Mission was launched in 2013 by merging National Rural Health Mission and National Urban Health Mission. It aims to strengthen the public health system and provide accessible, affordable and quality healthcare to all. It mainly focuses on rural and urban poor population.
Objectives
Reduce maternal mortality rate. Reduce infant and under five mortality rate. Strengthen primary healthcare services. Improve access to quality healthcare services. Promote community participation in health programmes.
Components
- National Rural Health Mission
Covers rural areas. Strengthens subcentres, PHCs and CHCs. Deployment of ASHA workers.
- National Urban Health Mission
Focuses on urban poor and slum population. Establishment of Urban Primary Health Centres.
Key Strategies
Strengthening health infrastructure. Recruitment of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff. Free drugs and free diagnostic services. Mobile medical units in remote areas. Janani Suraksha Yojana and other maternal schemes. Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committees.
RMNCH+A Approach
Continuum of care from reproductive to adolescent health. Integration of maternal, newborn and child health services.
Organizational Structure
Mission Steering Group at national level. State Health Mission at state level. District Health Mission at district level.
Flow of Service Delivery
Community โ Subcentre โ Primary Health Centre โ Community Health Centre โ District Hospital
Monitoring and Evaluation
District health action plans. Regular review meetings. Health Management Information System reporting.
Achievements
Improved institutional delivery rates. Reduction in maternal and infant mortality. Increased immunization coverage. Better rural healthcare access.
Conclusion
National Health Mission has strengthened primary healthcare system in India and improved accessibility and quality of public health services through decentralised planning and community participation.
- National AIDS Control Programme (NACP)
Introduction
HIV infection is caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus and leads to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. National AIDS Control Programme was launched in 1992 to prevent and control HIV infection in India. It is implemented by National AIDS Control Organization under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Objectives
Prevent new HIV infections. Provide care, support and treatment to affected persons. Reduce HIV related morbidity and mortality. Eliminate mother to child transmission of HIV.
Phases of NACP
Phase I 1992 to 1999 focused on awareness and blood safety. Phase II 1999 to 2006 focused on behaviour change and targeted interventions. Phase III 2007 to 2012 aimed at halting and reversing HIV epidemic. Phase IV 2012 onwards focuses on accelerating reversal and integration with general health system.
Strategies
- Prevention of Transmission
Awareness and behaviour change communication. Promotion of condom use. Targeted interventions for high risk groups like sex workers and intravenous drug users. Safe blood transfusion services.
- Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission
Routine HIV testing of pregnant women. Antiretroviral therapy for positive mothers.
- Care and Support
Free antiretroviral therapy through ART centres. Management of opportunistic infections. Counselling services.
- Surveillance
HIV sentinel surveillance system. Monitoring through data reporting and evaluation.
Organizational Structure
National AIDS Control Organization at central level. State AIDS Control Societies at state level. District level implementation units.
Flow of Services
Community awareness โ HIV testing at ICTC โ Confirmation of diagnosis โ Registration at ART centre โ Treatment and follow up
Achievements
Reduction in new HIV infections. Expansion of ART services across India. Improved awareness and reduction in stigma.
Conclusion
National AIDS Control Programme has played a major role in controlling HIV epidemic in India through prevention, treatment, surveillance and community participation.
- National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP)
Introduction
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It mainly affects skin and peripheral nerves leading to deformities. National Leprosy Eradication Programme was started in 1955 as National Leprosy Control Programme and later modified to NLEP. It aims to eliminate leprosy as a public health problem in India.
Definition of Elimination
Elimination of leprosy means reducing prevalence rate to less than 1 case per 10,000 population at national level.
Objectives
Early detection of all leprosy cases. Complete treatment of cases with multidrug therapy. Prevent disability and deformity. Reduce stigma and discrimination.
Epidemiology
India accounts for a major share of global leprosy cases. Transmission occurs mainly through prolonged close contact. Poverty and overcrowding are risk factors.
Strategies
- Early Case Detection
Active case detection campaigns. House to house surveys in high endemic areas. Voluntary reporting at health facilities.
- Multidrug Therapy
Free MDT for all patients. Paucibacillary and multibacillary treatment regimens. Treatment duration as per WHO guidelines.
- Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation
Early nerve function assessment. Physiotherapy and reconstructive surgery. Provision of protective footwear.
- Information Education Communication
Awareness campaigns to reduce stigma. Community participation.
Organizational Structure
Central Leprosy Division at national level. State leprosy officers at state level. District leprosy units at district level.
Flow of Services
Suspected case โ Clinical examination โ Classification into PB or MB โ Start MDT โ Regular follow up โ Release from treatment
Achievements
India achieved elimination at national level in 2005. Free MDT available across the country. Reduction in deformity rate at diagnosis.
Conclusion
National Leprosy Eradication Programme focuses on early detection, free treatment, disability prevention and social rehabilitation to control and eliminate leprosy in India.
- Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)
Introduction
Universal Immunization Programme was launched in 1985. It is one of the largest public health programmes in the world. It provides free vaccination to all infants, children and pregnant women. It aims to reduce morbidity and mortality due to vaccine preventable diseases.
Objectives
Reduce infant and child mortality. Protect children against vaccine preventable diseases. Eliminate diseases like polio and maternal and neonatal tetanus. Achieve high immunization coverage in all districts.
Vaccine Preventable Diseases Covered
Tuberculosis. Poliomyelitis. Diphtheria. Pertussis. Tetanus. Hepatitis B. Measles and Rubella. Haemophilus influenzae type B. Rotavirus diarrhoea.
Immunization Schedule
BCG at birth. OPV at birth and subsequent doses. Pentavalent vaccine at 6, 10 and 14 weeks. Measles Rubella at 9 months and 16 to 24 months. Td for pregnant women.
Strategies
Routine immunization sessions at fixed sites. Outreach sessions in remote areas. Cold chain maintenance at all levels. Training of health workers. Adverse events following immunization surveillance.
Cold Chain System
Vaccines stored between 2 to 8 degree Celsius. Deep freezers and ice lined refrigerators at health facilities. Vaccine carriers for transport. Temperature monitoring through vaccine vial monitor.
Organizational Structure
National level policy making. State immunization officers at state level. District immunization officers at district level. Health workers at subcentre level.
Flow of Services
Beneficiary identification โ Vaccination session โ Recording in immunization register โ Follow up for next dose
Achievements
Eradication of polio in 2014. Elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus. Improved full immunization coverage.
Conclusion
Universal Immunization Programme plays a major role in preventing childhood diseases and reducing mortality through systematic vaccination and strong cold chain system.
- National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS)
Introduction
Non communicable diseases are chronic diseases that are not transmitted from person to person. Cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and stroke are major causes of morbidity and mortality in India. NPCDCS was launched in 2010 to prevent and control these diseases. It is implemented under National Health Mission.
Objectives
Prevent and control major non communicable diseases. Early diagnosis and timely treatment. Reduce risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity. Reduce morbidity and mortality due to NCDs.
Risk Factors
Tobacco consumption. Alcohol use. Unhealthy diet. Physical inactivity. Obesity and stress.
Strategies
- Health Promotion
Information education communication activities. Promotion of healthy lifestyle. Tobacco control measures.
- Early Diagnosis
Population based screening above 30 years of age. Screening for hypertension, diabetes and common cancers.
- Treatment
Establishment of NCD clinics at district hospitals. Availability of essential drugs and diagnostics. Referral services for advanced cases.
- Capacity Building
Training of medical officers and health workers. Strengthening laboratory facilities.
Organizational Structure
National NCD cell at central level. State NCD cells at state level. District NCD clinics at district hospitals.
Flow of Services
Screening at community level โ Diagnosis at PHC or CHC โ Referral to district hospital if required โ Treatment and follow up
Monitoring and Evaluation
Regular data collection and reporting. Supervision at district and state level.
Achievements
Expansion of screening services across districts. Improved awareness regarding lifestyle diseases. Strengthened infrastructure for NCD management.
Conclusion
NPCDCS focuses on prevention, early detection and management of chronic diseases to reduce the growing burden of non communicable diseases in India.
- Reproductive and Child Health Programme (RCH)
Introduction
Reproductive and Child Health Programme was launched in 1997. It is implemented under National Health Mission. It integrates maternal health, child health and family planning services. It follows the life cycle approach to improve health of women and children.
Objectives
Reduce maternal mortality rate. Reduce infant and under five mortality rate. Promote reproductive health services. Ensure universal access to maternal and child healthcare.
Components
- Maternal Health Services
Antenatal care including minimum four visits. Iron and folic acid supplementation. Tetanus immunization. Skilled birth attendance. Institutional delivery promotion. Postnatal care services.
- Child Health Services
Immunization under Universal Immunization Programme. Management of neonatal and childhood illnesses. Breastfeeding promotion. Nutrition support and growth monitoring.
- Family Planning Services
Spacing and permanent methods of contraception. Counselling and distribution of contraceptives.
- Adolescent Health
Prevention of anemia. Menstrual hygiene promotion. Counselling services.
Strategies
Janani Suraksha Yojana to promote institutional delivery. Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram for free maternal services. Referral transport services. Strengthening of First Referral Units.
Organizational Structure
Central level supervision under Ministry of Health. State and district RCH officers. Implementation through PHCs and subcentres.
Flow of Services
Pregnant woman registration โ Antenatal checkups โ Institutional delivery โ Postnatal care โ Immunization and child follow up
Achievements
Increase in institutional delivery rate. Reduction in maternal and infant mortality. Improved immunization coverage.
Conclusion
Reproductive and Child Health Programme provides comprehensive and integrated healthcare services to mothers and children, contributing to reduction in maternal and child mortality in India.
- National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCBVI)
Introduction
Blindness is a major public health problem affecting quality of life. National Programme for Control of Blindness was launched in 1976. It was later renamed as National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment. The programme aims to reduce the prevalence of avoidable blindness in India.
Objectives
Reduce prevalence of blindness to 0.3 percent. Provide comprehensive eye care services. Eliminate avoidable causes of blindness. Strengthen eye care infrastructure.
Causes of Blindness in India
Cataract is the leading cause. Refractive errors. Glaucoma. Corneal blindness. Diabetic retinopathy.
Strategies
- Cataract Control
Free cataract surgery through government hospitals and camps. Intraocular lens implantation.
- School Eye Screening
Screening of school children. Free distribution of spectacles for refractive errors.
- Control of Other Eye Diseases
Management of glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Corneal transplantation and eye donation promotion.
- Infrastructure Development
Strengthening of district hospitals and medical colleges. Training of ophthalmic assistants.
Organizational Structure
National level programme officer. State blindness control societies. District blindness control societies.
Flow of Services
Community screening โ Referral to eye camp or hospital โ Diagnosis โ Surgery or treatment โ Follow up
Monitoring and Evaluation
Regular data reporting at district and state level. Review meetings and supervision.
Achievements
Significant reduction in prevalence of blindness. Increase in cataract surgery rate. Improved access to eye care services.
Conclusion
National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment focuses on early detection, treatment and prevention of avoidable blindness, thereby improving visual health of the population.
- National Mental Health Programme (NMHP)
Introduction
Mental health is an essential component of overall health. National Mental Health Programme was launched in 1982. It aims to provide mental health services at community level. The programme integrates mental health with general health services.
Objectives
Ensure availability and accessibility of mental healthcare. Reduce stigma and discrimination. Promote community participation in mental health care. Develop human resources in mental health.
Strategies
- District Mental Health Programme
Implementation at district level. Provision of outpatient and inpatient services. Early detection and treatment of mental disorders.
- Training
Training of medical officers and health workers. Capacity building of primary healthcare staff.
- Awareness
Information education communication activities. School mental health programmes.
- Rehabilitation
Community based rehabilitation services. Support for chronic mental illness patients.
Organizational Structure
National level supervision by Ministry of Health. State mental health authorities. District mental health teams.
Flow of Services
Identification of patient โ Referral to PHC or district hospital โ Diagnosis and treatment โ Follow up and counselling
Achievements
Expansion of District Mental Health Programme. Improved awareness regarding mental health. Better access to psychiatric services.
Conclusion
National Mental Health Programme integrates mental healthcare into primary healthcare system and promotes community based mental health services.
- National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE)
Introduction
Elderly population is increasing in India due to improved life expectancy. Older persons are more prone to chronic diseases and disability. National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly was launched in 2010. It aims to provide dedicated healthcare services for senior citizens.
Objectives
Provide preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative services to elderly. Promote active and healthy ageing. Strengthen geriatric healthcare services at all levels. Reduce disability and dependence among elderly.
Strategies
- Service Delivery
Geriatric clinics at PHC and CHC level. Weekly geriatric clinics at district hospitals. Separate geriatric wards at district hospitals.
- Regional Geriatric Centres
Established at selected medical colleges. Provide specialized care and training.
- Community Based Care
Home based care services. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation services. Health education regarding lifestyle modification.
- Capacity Building
Training of doctors and nurses in geriatric care. Development of geriatric medicine departments.
Organizational Structure
National level programme under Ministry of Health. State health departments implement programme. District hospitals act as nodal centres.
Flow of Services
Screening at community level โ Referral to PHC or CHC โ Specialist care at district hospital โ Rehabilitation and follow up
Monitoring and Evaluation
Regular supervision at district and state level. Reporting through health management information system.
Achievements
Establishment of geriatric clinics in many districts. Improved access to healthcare for elderly population. Increased awareness about geriatric health issues.
Conclusion
National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly provides comprehensive healthcare services to ageing population and improves quality of life through preventive, curative and rehabilitative measures.