Latest news with #NationalRuralHealthMission
Indian Express
20 hours ago
- Health
- Indian Express
‘Will you use your own brain too': Tejashwi's jibe after Nitish hikes pay of ASHA and Mamta workers
The Nitish Kumar-led National Democratic Alliance government has announced an increase in the honorarium for ASHA and Mamta workers in the state, prompting Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav to seek credit for the move. In a post on X Wednesday, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced that honorarium of ASHA, or Accredited Social Health Activists, workers was being tripled to Rs 3,000 crore and that of Mamta workers was going to be doubled to Rs 600 for every child they help deliver. 'Since the formation of the government in November 2005, we have worked on a large scale to improve healthcare services… In recognition of the significant contribution of ASHA and Mamta workers in strengthening healthcare services in rural areas, it has been decided to increase their honorarium amount.' While ASHA, or Accredited Social Health Activists, are community health workers in rural India. Under the National Rural Health Mission, they are seen as bridge between the community and the public health system. Mamata workers, on the other hand, are contractual health workers in maternity wards of government hospitals that are meant to care for newborns and their mothers. Both are crucial links in the rural healthcare chain. ASHA workers currently get Rs 1,000 while Mamta workers Rs 300/child. The decision comes months ahead of the assembly polls and follows a series of recent welfare measures by the Nitish cabinet, from infrastructure and employment to education and healthcare. These include the promise of one crore jobs over the next 5 years, the development of the Maa Janki temple in Sitamarhi, increasing social welfare pensions, reservation for women in state government jobs and free electricity up to 125 units. Soon after Wednesday's announcement, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader and Bihar's former deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav accused his former ally Nitish of 'repackaging and claiming credit' for initiatives introduced during his tenure. In a post on X, Yadav said: 'In my 17-month tenure as Health Minister, I had initiated the process of increasing the incentive amount for ASHA and Mamta workers which had reached its final stage, but the government and the Chief Minister habitually backtracked. This incompetent NDA government then sat on it for two years. Finally… they had to bow to our demand'. Yadav further criticised the government for what he called a partial implementation of the proposal. 'Here, the government has cleverly not implemented our demand in full. They (ASHA and Mamta workers) deserve honorarium, not just incentives. We will provide them with an honorarium,' he said. The Nitish-led NDA government will now be compelled to increase the honorarium of Anganwadi workers, helpers, and cooks too, he said. He then went on to say: 'It feels good to see how this imitation-prone, exhausted, visionless government is now visibly rattled by our demands, promises, and intent. The same government and ministers, leaders, and officials who once mocked our announcements are now scrambling as they see power slipping from their hands. Sab kuch Tejashwi ka hi nakal karoge ya apni bhi akal lagaoge (Will you copy everything from Tejashwi, or will you use your own brain too)?'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Two yrs jail to NRHM forgery case accused
Lucknow: A special CBI court in Ghaziabad on Monday convicted and sentenced Gangaram, partner of Pankaj Pharma, Lucknow, to two years' imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh for cheating and forgery in connection with the implementation of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) scheme. The CBI registered the case on July 11, 2013, to probe irregularities in the execution of the NRHM scheme between 2005 and 2011. The CBI investigation revealed that in 2008–09, Gangaram fraudulently procured seven indents intended for govt-authorised pharmaceutical suppliers by conspiring with the then pharmacist JP Srivastava.
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Business Standard
24-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Child deaths down, vaccinations up-but India's health fight isn't over
India has made notable progress in achieving health targets under the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. From lowering maternal and child mortality to improving immunisation and disease control, key health indicators suggest that the country is on track in several areas. What the UN Human Development Report says about India's health progress According to the UNDP Human Development Report 2025, India's Human Development Index (HDI) has increased by over 53 per cent since 1990—outpacing both global and South Asian averages. This has been driven by robust economic growth and welfare schemes like the National Rural Health Mission and Ayushman Bharat. Life expectancy has climbed to 72 years in 2023, the highest since the index began. 'India's life expectancy reaching its highest level is a testament to the country's recovery from the pandemic and its investments in human development,' said Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative, UNDP India. SDG 3 score rises sharply, says NITI Aayog India's SDG 3 score rose from 52 in 2018 to 77 in 2023, as per the NITI Aayog SDG Index. Multiple states are now classified as 'front-runners' in health outcomes: Maternal mortality dropped to 97 per 100,000 live births. Eight states, including Kerala and Tamil Nadu, have met the 2030 target of 70. Under-5 mortality fell to 32 per 1,000 live births. Kerala leads with just 8 deaths. Child immunisation (age 9–11 months) reached 93.23%, with several states surpassing 100%. HIV incidence remained at 0.05 per 1,000 uninfected individuals; Kerala reported 0.01. Tuberculosis case notification hit 87.13 per cent; Gujarat and UTs like Delhi surpassed national targets. Institutional deliveries stood at 97.18 per cent, with Lakshadweep achieving 100 per cent. Suicide rate was 12 per 100,000 population in 2022. Bihar had the lowest at 1. Malnutrition still affects children and women Despite gains, India still faces serious challenges: 35 per cent of children under five are stunted 19 per cent are wasted 67 per cent of under-five children and 57 per cent of women (15–49) are anaemic These figures from NFHS (2019–21) point to deep-rooted nutritional deficiencies that threaten long-term health outcomes. India's NCD burden rising fast Non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer accounted for over 60 per cent of all deaths in India in 2019, according to the NCD portal. Experts warn that without targeted prevention and early detection, the NCD crisis could derail SDG progress. What India must do to stay on track for 2030 To meet SDG 3 goals, experts recommend an integrated strategy that: Expands last-mile healthcare delivery Scales up NCD screening and treatment Closes the nutrition gap in children and women Invests in mental health and injury care Increases funding for primary healthcare As the 2030 deadline approaches, bridging rural–urban divides and ensuring healthcare equity will be crucial to India's success in achieving SDG 3.
News18
04-06-2025
- Business
- News18
Himachal Ends Free OPD Registration In Hospitals, Fee To Be Charged From June 5
Last Updated: The Himachal govt says the move aims to improve healthcare services and generate resources. Official orders regarding the new charges were issued on June 3 In a significant decision, the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government of Himachal Pradesh has announced that from June 5, all government health institutions across the state will charge a fee for OPD slips. Patients will now be required to pay Rs 10 for registration slips. The Secretary of the Health Department has issued a notification to this effect. Additionally, 133 different tests conducted in hospitals will no longer be free, with the government deciding to impose fixed fees for these tests. However, exceptions have been made for 14 categories of people, including cancer and kidney patients, pregnant women, elderly people over 60, TB patients, Divyang (differently abled), mentally ill, jail inmates, National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) beneficiaries, patients covered under the free medicine scheme, disaster victims, HIV-positive patients, children in child reform homes, and residents of old age homes and orphanages. The Himachal Pradesh government has asserted that this move aims to enhance health services and secure resources. Official orders were issued on June 3. In the order issued by the Health Secretary, it has been stated that, based on the recommendations of the Cabinet Sub-Committee, a decision has been taken to allow the collection of user charges to strengthen and improve the services provided by the Rogi Kalyan Samitis. These services include hygiene, cleanliness, and the maintenance of infrastructure and equipment. Additionally, it has been decided that a consultation fee of Rs 10 will be charged from all patients at the time of registration at the hospital. Previously, government hospitals in Himachal Pradesh did not charge for prescriptions, and registration was free. However, facing a severe financial crisis, the state government has had to cut back on many free services. Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil noted that people often do not keep their prescriptions safely, which has led the government to implement the new fee. First Published: June 04, 2025, 10:56 IST
India.com
06-05-2025
- Health
- India.com
Indias Rank In 2025 Human Development Index Improves, Climbs To...; Life Expectancy Rises To...
New Delhi: India continues its steady rise on the Human Development Index (HDI), ranking 130th out of 193 countries in the 2025 Human Development Report (HDR) released today by the United Nations Development Programme. With an HDI value increasing from 0.676 in 2022 to 0.685 in 2023, India remains in the medium human development category, moving closer to the threshold for high human development (HDI ≥ 0.700). The 2025 HDR, titled "A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of AI," highlights the critical role of artificial intelligence in shaping the next chapter of human development—particularly in fast-growing economies like India. "We congratulate India on its notable progress in the Human Development Index, rising from rank 133 in 2022 to 130 in 2023. This advancement reflects sustained improvements in key dimensions of human development, particularly in mean years of schooling and national income per capita. India's life expectancy reaching its highest level since the inception of the index is a testament to the country's robust recovery from the pandemic and its investments and commitment to long-term human well-being. With a renewed focus on women-led development, quality education, and healthcare for all, India is well-positioned to achieve inclusive growth and continued progress on human development," said Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative, UNDP India. India's HDI Value Increased India's HDI value has increased by over 53 percent since 1990, growing faster than both the global and South Asian averages. This progress has been fueled by economic growth and targeted social protection and welfare programs. Life Expectancy Rose To 72 Years Life expectancy rose from 58.6 years in 1990 to 72 years in 2023, the highest recorded since the index began. National health programs by successive governments, such as the National Rural Health Mission, Ayushman Bharat, Janani Suraksha Yojana, and Poshan Abhiyaan, have contributed significantly to this achievement. Children today are expected to stay in school for 13 years on average, up from 8.2 years in 1990. Initiatives like the Right to Education Act, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, and the National Education Policy 2020 have enhanced outcomes. However, quality and learning outcomes remain areas for continued focus. On the economic front, India's Gross National Income per capita rose more than four times, from USD 2,167.22 (1990) to USD 9,046.76 (2023). Over the years, India's progress on economic growth and investments in programs like MGNREGA, Jan Dhan Yojana, and digital inclusion have contributed to poverty reduction. Importantly, 135 million Indians escaped multidimensional poverty between 2015-16 and 2019-21.
