New Delhi: Union Health Minister JP Nadda presided over the Mission Steering Group (MSG) meeting under the National Health Mission (NHM), where key policymakers and officials discussed healthcare advancements, policy frameworks, and future strategies, media reports said.

The meeting was attended by Union Ministers of State for Health & Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav and Anupriya Patel, along with NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman K. Bery and Member VK Paul, ANI reported.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and other central ministries, including AYUSH, Drinking Water & Sanitation, Panchayati Raj, and Development of the North Eastern Region, were also present. Health Secretaries from high-focus states such as Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura participated in the discussions.

Strengthening healthcare delivery

Addressing the meeting, Nadda praised NHM’s achievements and acknowledged MSG’s role in driving various health initiatives, the report said.

He underscored the importance of translating policy objectives into effective implementation at the grassroots level.

Stressing the role of Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) in healthcare administration, he called for capacity-building initiatives to enhance their effectiveness.

Nadda also highlighted the contributions of ASHA workers, referring to them as “grassroots foot soldiers” of the healthcare system. He advocated for their empowerment through revised incentives for routine tasks and increased honorariums to support their welfare.

Focus on health infrastructure and digital connectivity

The meeting reviewed recent advancements in healthcare infrastructure, with Nadda emphasising the need for quality assurance in new initiatives like BHISHM cubes (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita & Maitri).

He also stressed the importance of expanding internet connectivity in Ayushman Arogya Mandirs to facilitate tele-consultations and enhance healthcare access.

For the first time, the Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) was included in the MSG discussions. Presentations covered NHM’s achievements over the years and outlined future targets, particularly under PM-ABHIM’s health infrastructure development plans.

Tackling health challenges and future strategy

The meeting also addressed policy and operational challenges, including strategies to combat obesity through AYUSH interventions and screening programs via Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.

Discussions focused on ensuring universal access to equitable, affordable, and quality healthcare, reducing maternal and child mortality, stabilising population growth, and maintaining gender and demographic balance.

Nadda stated that the decisions made during the MSG meeting would help improve healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.

He assured that feedback and suggestions from the discussion would be considered while shaping future healthcare policies and interventions.