The National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) was launched as a sub-mission of the broader National Health Mission (NHM) by the Government of India, aimed at addressing the health care needs of the urban population with a focus on urban poor.
The initiative seeks to improve the availability and accessibility of quality health services to the urban population, especially the slum dwellers and other vulnerable groups.
Given the unique challenges faced by the urban poor, including overcrowding, poor sanitation, and higher risks of communicable diseases, the NUHM plays a crucial role in tailoring health services to meet these specific needs.
AIM
The National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) aims to provide equitable and quality primary health care services to the urban poor and other vulnerable sections of the population in urban areas, with a focus on slum dwellers and other marginalized groups.
Objectives
Improve Health Status: Focus on enhancing the health status of the urban population, particularly those living in slums and other underserved areas.
Access to Healthcare Services: Ensure equitable access to quality health services by reducing disparities in healthcare provision.
Strengthen Health Infrastructure: Develop and upgrade health infrastructure in urban areas to provide a wide range of health care services.
Community Participation: Encourage community involvement in planning and implementation of health strategies to boost local accountability and effectiveness.
Public-Private Partnerships: Leverage partnerships with private and non-governmental sectors to expand health care delivery.
Enhance Existing Health Programs: Integrate and strengthen the existing health care programs to provide comprehensive services covering preventive, promotive, and curative aspects of health care.
Capacity Building: Enhance the capacities of urban local bodies and health personnel to effectively manage health issues in urban settings.
Information and Monitoring: Implement robust information management and monitoring systems to track progress and improve decision-making processes.
Implementation Strategy
The National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) is part of a broader initiative in India aimed at improving health services for urban populations, especially the poor. Here are some key strategies of the NUHM, summarized in point form:
Focus on Urban Poor: Target health services to the urban poor, particularly slum dwellers and other marginalized groups.
Establish Urban Primary Health Centers: Set up health facilities that provide basic health care services within close proximity of urban poor communities.
Strengthen Existing Health Facilities: Upgrade existing health care facilities to ensure they can provide a wider range of services effectively.
Community Engagement: Involve local communities through formation of Mahila Arogya Samitis (Women's Health Committees) to ensure community participation in health planning and monitoring.
Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with private providers and NGOs to enhance healthcare delivery and outreach.
Capacity Building: Train health care providers to meet the unique challenges of urban health care delivery.
Importance and Impact
1. Improved Access to Healthcare:
By establishing UPHCs and organizing health camps, NUHM has significantly increased access to health care services for the urban poor.
2. Better Disease Management:
With a focus on both communicable and non-communicable diseases, the initiative has contributed to better disease management and control in urban areas.
3. Enhanced Awareness:
Health education and promotion activities have increased awareness of health issues, leading to improved health-seeking behaviors among the urban population.
The NUHM addresses the unique challenges of urban health care delivery and works towards achieving equity in health care access for the urban poor and vulnerable, integrating a wide range of health determinants to improve the overall health status of India’s urban population.