Marking the occasion of World AIDS Day, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda inaugurated the World AIDS Day 2024 commemoration in the presence of Dr. Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh at the Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya Auditorium, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, today. This year’s theme, “Take the Rights Path”, emphasizes the importance of ensuring equal rights, dignity, and access to healthcare for all, particularly for those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
In keeping with the World AIDS Day 2024 theme, ‘Take the rights path’, Shri JP Nadda reflected on the Government of India's ongoing commitment to safeguarding the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS, emphasizing legal protections, healthcare access, and societal change. He said, “World AIDS Day is a moment to reiterate that we are all together in the fight against AIDS as well as to remember and re-dedicate the efforts of those people who have fought against this disease and lost their loved ones as well.”
The Union Minister highlighted the government's unwavering approach to tackling HIV/AIDS, citing the ongoing Phase V of the National AIDS and STD Control Program. He underlined the sustained efforts by NACO and State AIDS Control Societies which ensured low HIV epidemic level in India over the years with new infections in the country in 2023 almost 44% lower than in 2010 while AIDS related deaths declined by 79%.
The Union Health Minister emphasized on three important directives for people to pursue regarding the fight against AIDS. First, he emphasized the importance of caution to prevent HIV/AIDS infections, noting that people can contract the virus not only through sexual intercourse but also through other routes. Second, he stressed the need for adopting a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, exercise, and sleep, to prevent many illnesses. Additionally, he highlighted the significance of raising awareness and combating stereotypes through various initiatives like village meetings, school performances, and educational campaigns. He also urged authorities to evaluate the effectiveness of their AIDS control efforts and address any gaps.
Shri Nadda underscored the importance of treating HIV positive people with a human angle. Highlighting that every person has the right to a dignified life, he urged everyone to include people with HIV in the mainstream. “Contrary to some beliefs, any person with HIV can live lifelong today and can also have a healthy child without HIV infection”, he said.
Expressing his admiration for health workers for handling such diseases with extreme care and dedication, Shri Nadda noted that they carry on their work despite being exposed to infected people at all times and emphasized on the need to protect them.
The Union Minister highlighted the long struggle faced by India in its fight against AIDS. “From a time when there was no medicine for AIDS, to dealing with over-expensive medicines to now becoming a net supplier of HIV medicines to the world, India has come a long way in its fight against AIDS”, he stated. He noted that today India is taking a lead in AIDS control by producing the most affordable as well as effective medicines and sharing them with the neediest. He also stated that the Union government provides free medicines for AIDS patients.
Underscoring the Indian government’s commitment to achieve the Sustainable Develeopment Goals (SDGs) by 2030, Shri Nadda said that the number of new HIV cases in India has decreased by 44% since 2010 which is higher than the global reduction rate of 39%. There has also been a 79% decline in deaths due to AIDS.
He noted that India has adopted a 90-90-90 target for combating AIDS which includes the target of detecting 90% cases of AIDS in the country, 90% of people to be treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 90% to have their viral load suppressed. He stated that this target was later increased to 95-95-95, out of which 81% people with AIDS have been identified, 88% are being given ART and viral load of 97% identified people has been suppressed.
On the occasion, Shri Nadda also congratulated the Madhya Pradesh government for attaining significant strides in the healthcare sector. Earlier, he also visited an exhibition set up by NACO and interacted with the delegates and officials there.
The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Mohan Yadav expressed his elation at the fact that people from the lowest strata of the society are benefitting from the government’s efforts at AIDS control. He said, “under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, India has successfully managed the Covid-19 pandemic and is working with the vision of eradicating a range of epidemic diseases by 2030, including AIDS”.
Dr Yadav highlighted that with the change in National Medical Council guidelines, the process of opening new medical colleges has become more streamlined and transparent.
On strengthening of medical infrastructure in Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Yadav emphasized that while earlier there were only five medical colleges in Madhya Pradesh, today there are 31 medical colleges in the state. He also pointed out that there will be 50 medical colleges operative in the state in the next two years.
Dr Yadav further stated that Madhya Pradesh aims to achieve the target of eradicating AIDS as a public health threat by 2028, two years ahead of the 2030 SDG goal. Emphasizing that the government is working with the principle of “Live and let live”, he stated that Madhya Pradesh is leading the way in Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Yojana as well as in health indicators like IMR and delivery of health services to remote areas etc.
Aligned with the theme of the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), ‘Take the Rights Path’, this World AIDS Day 2024 emphasized on awareness, and rights-based approaches to treatment and eliminate discrimination against those affected by HIV/AIDS. The National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India has been observing World AIDS Day annually on December 1 since 1992. Bringing together communities, youth, beneficiaries, and various organizations, these observances have been fostering collaboration to address the challenges and advancements aiming at the global goal of ending HIV/AIDS by 2030.
This year the programme featured impactful activities, such as an innovative exhibition showcasing key programmatic components like the digital ecosystem adopted by NACO, community engagement, achievements made through the campaign-based approach, and a variety of hand-crafted items made by the beneficiaries.
The event also included the launch of NACO's theme song, brought to life through a live performance by its original singers— Dev Negi, Moko Koza and Agsy. The song conveys an uplifting message of hope, optimism, and unity. It envisions a world inspiring collective action toward building a better world, reflecting the core values of empathy, equality, and resilience. The song aims to motivate individuals to come together and work for a future where everyone can live without fear or discrimination, echoing the theme of World AIDS Day.
In addition, the Union Health Minister honoured two beneficiaries of the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) who have been directly affected by HIV/AIDS. They shared their personal journeys, showcasing the significant progress they have made in their fight against the disease. Their stories emphasized the crucial role of access to treatment, support, and awareness, which have been key to their resilience and empowerment.
The event witnessed the release and launch of the following documents:
SANKALAK 6th Edition
India HIV Estimates 2023 – Technical Report
Coffee Table Book (Intensified IEC Campaign)
Prevention Progress Update 2023-2024 (Fourth Edition)
Research Compendium Volume II
The event brought together diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, representatives from government, civil society, communities, youth, and development partners with a live stream available nationwide to encourage widespread participation uniting efforts to advance equity in healthcare and inspire collective action against the epidemic.
Sankalak 6th Edition: “Sankalak” is the evidence driven flagship report of National AIDS and STD Control Programme. The 6th edition of Sankalak being released today details the status and progress of National AIDS & STD response in the year 2023-2024. This document offers data overview of programmatic aspects across prevention-detection-treatment domains and highlights the specific areas that require quick attention for each State and Union Territory of India.
India HIV Estimates 2023 – Technical Report: HIV burden estimation is carried out annually under the Programme by employing globally recommended software and following rigorous scientific methods. HIV Estimates 2023 provides updated evidence of level and trend of the HIV epidemic in India, on the key parameters of HIV prevalence, incidence, AIDS-related mortality, and elimination of vertical transmission of HIV. This report presents the method and findings of the ‘HIV Estimation 2023’ of the latest round.
Coffee Table Book (Intensified IEC Campaign): The Intensified IEC Campaign (IIC) is an initiative implemented by NACO and the State AIDS Control Societies (SACS) across the country. Launched on 12th August 2024, coinciding with International Youth Day, the campaign's primary goals were to enhance knowledge and understanding of HIV and STIs among the general population, promote safe practices, reduce stigma and discrimination and create demand for HIV/STI services. IIC included a variety of activities, such as village-level meetings, folk performances, school outreach programs, college awareness initiatives, social media engagement, slum interventions and door-to-door campaigns. This extensive campaign has gained widespread publicity and has successfully engaged the health system, frontline health workers, panchayat members and youth in raising awareness and reducing the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. Additionally, the campaign has involved State leaderships, including Chief Ministers, Health Ministers, notable dignitaries and social influencers. This coffee table book aims to highlight and record the major achievements and activities covered under the Intensified IEC campaign.
Prevention Progress Update 2023-2024 (Fourth Edition): The prevention progress update 2023-24, NACO aims to update the progress, analyse and disseminate on the important Prevention activities and services provided to HRGs including Prison Population, Bridge Populations, and other at risk and vulnerable populations during 2023-24 under NACP Phase V.
Research Compendium Volume II: To consolidate the knowledge and evidence gathered from the state-specific studies, NACO is bringing out volume II of the Research Compendium, highlighting key findings and recommendations. The Research Compendium Volume II aims to share evidence generated from studies undertaken by States in FY 2022-23, with key stakeholders, including scientific community, policy makers, programme managers, communities, vulnerable and marginalised groups. It includes insights and recommendations from 65 abstracts based on studies conducted in 2022-23.
Shri Rajendra Shukla and Shri Jagdish Devda, Deputy Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh; Shri Tulsiram Silawat, Cabinet Minister for Water Resources, Madhya Pradesh; Shri Narendra Shivaji Patel, Minister of State for Public Health and Medical Education, Shri Vishnu Dutt Sharma and Shri Shankar Lalwani, Members of Parliament (LS) from Madhya Pradesh; Shri Pushyamitra Bhargav, Mayor, Indore Municipal Corporation; Smt. Punya Salil Srivastava, Union Health Secretary; Smt. Hekali Zhimomi, Addl. Secretary, Union Health Ministry; Dr Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative to India and other distinguished guests also graced the event.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s Health Pavilion, themed ‘One Health’, received the Special Appreciation Medal at the 43rd India International Trade Fair (IITF) held at Bharat Mandapam today.
This recognition celebrates the Pavilion's innovative design and impactful presentation of India's healthcare achievements and initiatives. This year’s pavilion focused on the ‘One Health’ approach—a holistic framework emphasizing the interdependence of human, animal, plant, and ecosystem health. By acknowledging these vital connections, the ‘One Health’ initiative mobilizes collaboration across sectors, disciplines, and communities to address health and environmental challenges while promoting collective well-being.
The Pavilion featured 39 dynamic and informative stalls, showcasing the Ministry’s major milestones in healthcare. Over the course of 14 days, the Pavilion served as an immersive experience, raising awareness of the ‘One Health’ approach and its focus on preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative healthcare. Visitors had the opportunity to learn about a wide range of programs, from life-course health initiatives to innovative solutions addressing communicable and non-communicable diseases.The Pavilion also provided free counselling, diagnostics, and consultations, making healthcare accessible to all attendees.
This recognition underscores the Ministry’s dedication to fostering a holistic and inclusive health system while inspiring collaboration to safeguard human, animal, and environmental health.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare remains committed to advancing India’s healthcare goals and promoting awareness of the ‘One Health’ vision, ensuring healthier lives for all.
The Department of Pharmaceuticals actively participated in the Special Campaign 4.0 of the Government from 2nd October, 2024 to 31st October, 2024. Special focus was given on activities of organisations of the Department, namely National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA); National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) at Ahmedabad, SAS Nagar, Rae Bareli, Hajipur, Kolkata, Guwahati and Hyderabad; Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI); and three PSUs, namely Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Limited (BCPL) Kolkata, Hindustan Antibiotics Limited(HAL) Pune and Karnataka Antibiotics & Pharmaceuticals Limited (KAPL), Bangalore.
The Department was able to successfully meet and also exceed some of the pre-defined targets set during the Preparatory Phase of the Campaign.
100% disposal of pending MP references & State Government references has been achieved. All 21 Public Grievances and 25 Public Grievance Appeals pending as on 30th September have been disposed of. Theres is Zero pendency in PMO Reference and IMC Reference.
The Department had set a target of 11,046 cleaning sites covering the length and breadth of the country. By the end of the Campaign on October 31st, the Department exceeded the target by having 11,127 sites cleaned. This includes 11, 000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras cleaned with initiative and close support of PMBI, which not only helped to create an awareness on importance of clean and hygienic environment among all, but also re-enforced the presence of the flagship scheme of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Yojana among the general public.
During the special campaign 5667 physical files were reviewed out of which 1544 files weeded out. Under e-cleaning, 4671 `Parked’ e-Files were reviewed and decisions taken to retain for future reference. 26 e-files were closed. In the campaign, revenue of Rs.42673/- was generated from scrap disposal.
Four Best Practices that have been implemented during the Campaign period each from NIPER SAS Nagar, NIPER-Ahmedabad, NIPER-Hajipur and HAL, Pune on data backup and archiving and reclaiming of office space.
The Department achieved significant results during the Special Campaign 4.0. Few photographs of `Before’ & `After’ cleaning received from Organizations are attached herewith.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) convened a significant meeting with stakeholders from the Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) manufacturing sector and rice millers in Hyderabad, today. The meeting was chaired by CEO Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, with special guests including Sri D.S. Chauhan, Commissioner & Principal Secretary to the Government of Telangana, along with other prominent officials from the Food Safety and Consumer Affairs departments.
During the meeting, CEO FSSAI highlighted the importance of maintaining stringent standards for FRK and the necessary compliance mechanisms to be adhered to during the fortification process. He reiterated the mandate for third-party audits to be conducted by all FRK manufacturers; failure to comply with these regulations will result in consequences for non-compliance.
The government’s fortification program, aimed at addressing micronutrient deficiencies such as anaemia prevalent in the Indian population, was also discussed. As the national food regulator, FSSAI has established standards for FRK and FRK premixes to ensure quality, making it mandatory to conduct batch-wise testing.
Recently, the Prime Minister launched 109 high-yielding, nutritionally fortified varieties of crops. The significance of bioavailability in FRK was also emphasized. Currently, over 900 companies are involved in FRK manufacturing in India.
Concerns regarding recent non-compliance reports from various stakeholders were raised, particularly regarding manufacturing practices and record-keeping. Special Guest D.S. Chauhan, Commissioner & Principal Secretary to the Government of Telangana, underscored challenges in implementing rice fortification programs, such as contamination, adulteration, and hygiene issues. He noted the presence of duplicate products, particularly concerning rice and tea, while commending the high quality of Telangana rice.
Shri R.V. Karnan, Commissioner of Food Safety, advocated for district-level awareness programs and training sessions for manufacturers on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). He also emphasized the necessity of identifying key locations within states to establish additional labs for testing FRK samples, which will ensure prompt corrective actions in line with Food Safety and Standards Regulations.
The meeting fostered interaction between dignitaries and stakeholders to discuss challenges faced in manufacturing, quality control, storage, and testing. Also, CEO FSSAI has ensured to address the major glitches faced by the FRK Manufacturers and Millers
In conclusion, the CEO of FSSAI reaffirmed the collective commitment of all stakeholders to prioritize food safety and work collaboratively towards ensuring safe and nutritious food for consumers across the country.
The event was attended by over 150 stakeholders, including representatives from international organizations such as Nutrition International, state officials, senior FSSAI officials, and members from the food and agriculture sectors.
FSSAI remains dedicated to exploring and implementing measures to enhance the food safety landscape throughout India.
India participated in the 44th session of the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (CCNFSDU) held in Dresden, Germany from October 2 to October 6, 2024. As a key contributor, India made pivotal interventions on significant agenda items. It provided valuable insights on nutrient reference values for persons aged 6 to 36 months and extended its support to frame harmonized probiotic guidelines for foods and food supplements. Countries like Canada, Chile, New Zealand, and several others backed India's views.
Playing a pivotal part in creating harmonized guidelines for probiotics, India highlighted that the current Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)/ World Health Organization (WHO) documents on probiotics are two decades old and need revision in light of scientific advancements. Additionally, India emphasized the lack of international harmonization in probiotic regulation guidelines, which may impede global trade practices. The Committee agreed to revisit these guidelines and requested FAO and WHO to conduct a review of the documents ‘Health & Nutrition Properties of Probiotics in Food including powder milk with Live Lactic Acid Bacteria’ (2001) & ‘Guidelines for the Evaluation of Probiotics in Food’ (2002), incorporating a literature review of scientific evidence on probiotics and come up with a new work proposal for reconsideration of CCNFSDU.
In the general principles for establishing nutrient reference values, India opined that the combined NRV-R value for persons from 6-36 months should be determined by calculating the mean value of the two age groups 6 – 12 months and 12 – 36 months, the same was considered and agreed by the committee.
In the discussion on assessing the relative sweetness of carbohydrate sources in the Standard for Follow-up Formula, India disagreed with the EU’s proposal for sensory testing, citing a lack of scientific validation for use in national legislation. Supported by the USA, Canada, and others, India’s stance contributed to the committee's decision to discontinue the topic for now. It was noted that in the absence of a harmonized method, ISO 5495 or other available methods could still be used.
Delegates from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the Ministry of Women and Child Development advocated for India's stance on various food safety, consumer health, and trade-related issues. During the adoption of the final report, India’s suggestions were officially incorporated, marking a significant contribution to shaping global food safety and nutrition standards.
During the session, FAO/WHO announced plans for a Joint Statement on Healthy Diet Principles and shared updates on reviewing the benefits and risks of Alternative Animal Source Foods (A-ASFs). FAO also introduced the new “Food and Diet” domain on its FAOSTAT database. Germany's Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mr. Cem Özdemir, welcomed delegates, stressing the importance of safe food for global food security. The session was chaired by Ms. Martine Püster, with Dr. Carolin Bendadani as co-chair.
“India's health system embraces a “whole of government” and “whole of society” approach to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), with emphasis on strengthening primary healthcare and essential services.” This was stated by Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda during his inaugural address to the 77th session of WHO Southeast Asia Region (SEARO), here today.
The opening session of the Regional Committee meeting included election of office bearers, establishment of a “Drafting Group for Resolutions and Decisions”, adoption of “Special Procedures” to regulate the conduct of the session and adoption of the provisional Agenda. Dignitaries present at the event included Dr Razia Pendse, Chef de Cabinet, WHO Headquarters; Mr. Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk, Minister of Health, Bhutan; Mr Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, Minister of Health, Maldives; Mr. Pradip Paudel, Minister of Health and Population, Nepal; Dr Elia Antonio de Araujo Dos Reis Amaral, Minister of Health, Timor Leste; Mr MA Akmall Hossain Azad, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Bangladesh; Mr. Kunta Wibawa Dasa Nugraha, General Secretary, Ministry of Health, Indonesia; Dr PG Mahipala, Secretary, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka; Mr. Choe Hui Chol, Ambassador of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to the Republic of India and Dr Weerawut Imsamran, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand.
Shri Nadda said that “In line with the commitment to provide health cover for all, the Union Government launched the world’s largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri - Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). This initiative covers over 120 million families, providing an annual hospitalization benefit of USD 6,000 per family.” He highlighted that the government has recently expanded the scheme to all citizens aged 70 years and above. “This expansion will benefit around 45 million families, including 60 million elderly population, by providing them free health insurance coverage. It underscores the government's commitment to ensuring universal and inclusive healthcare for India’s growing elderly demographic”, he said.
Recognizing the growing public health challenges posed by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the Union Health Minister stated that “India is implementing the National Programme for Prevention and Control of NCDs since 2010 to address conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This initiative has led to establishment of 753 NCD clinics, 356 Day Care Centers, and 6,238 Community Health Centers to focus on preventive measures at an early stage.”
Shri Nadda said that India as a lighthouse country in the digital health arena, is poised to share its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPIs) such as Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, e-Sanjeevani, Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP), SAKSHAM etc. by providing technical and financial support through the Global Initiative on Digital Health – a WHO-managed network, launched during India’s G20 Presidency. He also stated that “following the remarkable success of the CoWIN digital platform during the COVID-19 pandemic, India has conceptualized the online digital platform-UWIN, for the Universal Immunization Programme. The portal will register, track and monitor all vaccination events.”
Understanding the important role that traditional and complementary medicine plays across numerous Southeast Asian member states, Shri Nadda emphasized that India has backed the WHO in creating the Global Traditional Medicine Centre, aimed at promoting these systems on a global scale. He said that “India’s experience in integrating this system with the conventional system of medicine has led to the provision of holistic healthcare, promoting overall well-being and expanding the range of healthcare services”. “Our Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs that are community Health & Wellness Centres are significant in providing comprehensive healthcare through both traditional and conventional systems of medicines, ensuring the physical and mental well-being of our citizens”, he added.
The Union Health Minister concluded his address by highlighting Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji vision of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas' which literally means ‘Involvement of all, Development of all, Trust of all, Efforts of all’. This envisages unity in addressing global challenges, fostering inclusive, human-centric growth, building trust by acknowledging aspirations and harnessing each nation's strengths for the global good. “We believe that collective experiences can drive transformative actions across countries. Health transcends borders, necessitating a holistic and collaborative approach. By learning from each other's successes and challenges, we can enhance the resilience of health systems”, he stated.
Addressing the session, Saima Wazed, Regional Director, WHO SEARO said, “In 1948, when the first Regional Committee for South-East Asia was formed, the infant mortality rate globally was around 147. Today it is 25. Then, the antibiotic age had just begun. Today, we are faced with antimicrobial resistance”. And so, as we conquer old threats, we are faced with new ones. It is upon us to confront the perils of today, with the collective wisdom of all who came before us - and with the tools of the 21st century, she added.
Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary; Smt. Hekali Zhimomi, Addl. Secretary, Health Ministry; Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Addl. Secretary, Health Ministry; Dr Rodrigo Offrin, WHO Representative to India and senior officers of the Union Health Ministry were present at the event.
In alignment with its commitment to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to TB elimination, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri J P Nadda, announced several key initiatives aimed at enhancing nutrition support for TB patients and their household contacts.
Underscoring India’s resolute commitment to end TB, Shri Nadda announced that Nutrition support under Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) has been increased from existing Rs. 500 per month/patient to Rs. 1,000/month/patient for entire duration of the treatment. “The government has also decided to introduce energy dense nutrition supplementation for all patients with BMI<18.5 and to permit expansion of scope & coverage of Ni-Kshay Mitra initiative under Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMBA) to the family members (household contacts) of TB patients”, he said.
All TB patients will now receive a nutritional support of ₹ 3,000 to ₹ 6,000 under Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY). While enhancement of NPY support will benefit all 25 lakh TB patients in a year, introduction of Energy Dense Nutritional Supplementation (EDNS) would cover approximately 12 lakh underweight patients (BMI less than 18.5 kg/m2 at the time of diagnosis). EDNS would be provided to all eligible patients for the first two months of their treatment. “This move will cost the Government of India approximately an additional ₹1,040 crores to be shared between the center and states on 60:40 basis”, Shri Nadda said.
Further, the Union Health Ministry has approved demand on expanding scope of nutritional support to household contacts of TB patients. In addition to TB patients, Ni-kshay Mitras will adopt the household contacts of TB patients for distribution of food baskets with a view to improve the immunity of the family members of TB patients. This would lead to a significant reduction in out-of-pocket expenses (OOPE) incurred by TB patients and their families.
The Union Health Minister stated that till date, ₹3,202 crores have been disbursed to 1.13 crore beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer under Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana.
These measures are expected to aid nutritional recovery, improve response to treatment and outcomes and reduce mortality due to TB in India.
Department of Health Research is prepared for the implementation of Special Campaign 4.0 for institutionalizing Swachhata and minimizing pendency in the Department, ICMR Headquarters and its 27 institutes across the nation. Actions to be taken during Preparatory Phase from 16th to 30th September 2024 have been completed and targets have been identified for the implementation Phase which will start from 2nd October 2024 and will last up to 31st October 2024.
Department of Health Research along with ICMR and its 27 institutes across the country will focus on improving overall cleanliness in offices, liquidating pendency in the MP's References, References from the State Government etc and ensuring adherence to record management systems. The Department has issued an Office Memorandum in this regard on 20.09.2024. The status of the pendency has been reviewed on 25.09.2024 in the meeting chaired by Smt. Richa Khoda, JS (DHR) who is also the Nodal Officer for this Campaign. The progress of the campaign will be monitored on regular basis by the Nodal officer.
During the Special Campaign 4.0, sincere and dedicated efforts will be made to achieve the targets identified during the preparatory phase and to ensure saturation of Swachhata in all the offices related to Department of Health Research.
In a significant milestone in realizing the Hon’ble Prime Minister's vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, Union Health Minister Shri J. P. Nadda announced the successful implementation of 100 Days Program of Union Health Ministry’s Department of Health Research (DHR). He said “these initiatives represent transformative steps in healthcare innovation, pandemic preparedness, and the development of indigenous medical solutions, contributing to a healthier, more resilient and Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
The following are some of the key achievements and initiatives undertaken by the Department of Health Research in the last 100 days:
Med-Tech Mitra: It is a joint initiative by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). Over 250 innovators, start-ups, and industry partners have been engaged through this platform helping them overcome challenges in the process of developing regulation compliant products, their clinical validation, and scaling-up.
National One Health Mission (NOHM) for Pandemic Preparedness: The NOHM is an integrated approach to tackling diseases at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health. This mission is a crucial step toward building India’s capacity to manage zoonotic diseases and pandemics. This initiative is instrumental in India’s long-term health security by creating a safe and healthy environment for all. Different activities have been undertaken with the ‘one health’ approach under this mission in first 100 days of Government, that are enlisted below:
National Network of BSL-3 Laboratories has been established wherein over 20 labs across different ministries have networked.
Trainings were conducted in National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune and ICAR-National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal.
Strengthening the nation’s preparedness for future pandemics, a mock drill of H5N1 "Vishanu Yudh Abhyas" was successfully conducted with multiple stakeholders from 27th to 31st August in Ajmer District of Rajasthan.
A national joint outbreak response team has been notified by Department of Health and Family Welfare (DoHFW). This will strengthen detection of the emerging hotspots of infections and conduct timely investigation for prevention and control.
Waste water surveillance tools were developed by ICMR and a surveillance model is also built for slaughterhouses.
Avian flu, Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) and MPox Vaccines development initiated with engagement of private sector and industry partners. NIPAH monoclonal antibodies are also under development.
Executive and Scientific Steering Committees of the Mission held their meetings reviewing pandemic preparedness of the country and suggesting further course of action.
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Department of Biotechnology (DBT) guidelines for establishment & certification of Bio-Safety Level (BSL-3) labs have been consolidated into one national document.
Integrated Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (IRDLs): Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) across the country have been taken up for strengthening through funding support. Six of these VRDLs are being converted into Integrated Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (IRDLs) covering larger domain of infectious diseases. Construction of Zonal laboratories of National Institute of Virology (NIV) has also been initiated.
Program for Development of Indigenous Drugs for Rare Diseases: As part of India's drive towards becoming a global leader in affordable healthcare, DHR is set to launch a program developing 12 indigenous drugs for 8 rare diseases. This initiative will aim to drastically reduce the cost of treatment for conditions like Muscular Dystrophy and Gaucher's Disease, making life saving therapies accessible and affordable for the masses.
“First in the World” Challenge: Inspired by India’s landmark Chandrayaan-3 mission, the “First in the World” challenge will fund 50 high-risk, high-reward innovations in biomedical research. This initiative epitomizes India's spirit of innovation and excellence, accelerating its march toward becoming a leader in global healthcare solutions.
Centre for Evidence-Based Guidelines: The Centre for Evidence for Guidelines, ready for inauguration, will help standardize medical practices nationwide, ensuring the highest standards of care. The Centre will be helpful in developing world-class evidence based national health guidelines. It will be supported by Systematic Review centres in different parts of the Country.
Research to Action Vertical: The establishment of the “Research to Action” vertical in DHR will ensure that cutting-edge health research is seamlessly integrated into policy and practice. It will help in converting research findings into actionable policies across different states, leading to tangible improvements in public health.
Research Capacity Building: A total of 93 fellows have been enrolled till now for PhD in Medical research in different ICMR Institutes in the first batch of Faculty of Medical Research (FMR). Further, 63 young medical college faculty members have been provided fellowships for undertaking PhD programme. This is a big step towards strengthening physician scientist base in the country. In addition, 58 women scientists have been provided fellowships for undertaking health research. The above initiatives are slated for launch in October 2024 by the Union Health Minister. Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, DHR and DG, ICMR said the efforts and recent achievements demonstrate Government’s commitment to advancing healthcare through innovation and research. He exuded confidence that these steps will play critical role in transforming the nation's healthcare system and making it future-challenge ready.
Union Health Secretary, Shri Apurva Chandra released "Health Dynamics of India (Infrastructure and Human Resources) 2022-23", an annual publication formerly known as “Rural Health Statistics”, here today. The document has been published since 1992.
Highlighting the document as a source of reliable and authentic information on various aspects of National Health Mission (NHM), Shri Apurva Chandra stated that “The annual publication is a valuable document furnishing much needed information on manpower and infrastructure within NHM, helpful in policy making, improving processes and problem solving”. He added that the document gives a cross analysis across the states on the availability and deficiencies in manpower and infrastructure. The data is immensely helpful in understanding the requirements of the states, their priority areas and formulating policies and targeted campaigns, he said. The health statistics also aids in making a comparison in the performance of the states on different parameters, he highlighted.
Union Health Secretary also pointed at the “need to integrate the Health Management Information System (HMIS) Portal with Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) and other portals of the Ministry to reduce the burden of work of health functionaries and to ensure that the data are uploaded timely and analysed carefully.”
Since 1992, the publication has provided detailed annual data on health infrastructure and human resources, with updates as of March 31 each year. This data is crucial for stakeholders in the health sector, as it supports effective planning, monitoring, and management of health infrastructure across the country. By providing a clear snapshot of the current state of healthcare infrastructure and human resources, the publication serves as a foundational tool for identifying gaps and addressing needs in various areas, including rural, urban, and tribal regions.
It is structured in two parts:
Part 1 presents an overall view of India's healthcare system with State and Union Territory profiles, using visual aids like maps and charts for clarity.
Part 2 is divided into nine sections, offering in-depth data on health facilities, manpower, and demographic indicators.
The information contained in the publication enables policymakers, health administrators, and planners to assess the distribution and adequacy of healthcare facilities and human resources. It helps in formulating targeted strategies to optimize health service delivery and allocate resources efficiently. Additionally, the data serves as a vision document for understanding the needs in different regions, facilitating a more equitable distribution of health services.
Overall, the publication is an essential resource material for ensuring that health infrastructure development is aligned with the specific requirements of all population groups, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and responsive healthcare system across the country.
As of March 31, 2023, the country has a total of 1,69,615 Sub-Centres (SCs), 31,882 Primary Health Centres (PHCs), 6,359 Community Health Centres (CHCs), 1,340 Sub-Divisional/District Hospitals (SDHs), 714 District Hospitals (DHs), and 362 Medical Colleges (MCs) serving both rural and urban areas.
These healthcare infrastructures are supported by 2,39,911 Health Worker (Male + Female) at SCs, 40,583 Doctors/Medical Officers at PHCs, 26,280 Specialists & Medical Officers at CHCs, and 45,027 Doctors and Specialists at SDHs and DHs. Additionally, there are 47,932 Staff Nurses at PHCs, 51,059 Nursing Staff at CHCs, and 1,35,793 Paramedical Staff at SDHs and DHs across the country.
The publication “Health Dynamics of India (Infrastructure and Human Resources) 2022-23” can be accessed under Documents Section on the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare website by using the link: https://mohfw.gov.in/.
The key features of the publication include:
Comparative Analysis: Provides comparisons of health infrastructure and manpower between 2005 and 2023, and from 2022 to 2023, highlighting progress and gaps.
District-Wise Data: Offers district-level details of health facilities, including Sub-Centers (SCs), Primary Health Centers (PHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs), Sub-District Hospitals (SDHs), District Hospitals (DHs), and Medical Colleges.
Rural, Urban, and Tribal Focus: Details infrastructure and manpower in rural, urban, and tribal areas, providing targeted insights for policy planning.
Classification of States/UTs: States and Union Territories are categorized based on key healthcare performance metrics, aiding in targeted interventions.
User-Friendly Highlights: Key findings are summarized at the beginning for quick reference.
Guidance for Stakeholders: Acts as a crucial tool for healthcare planning and management by identifying gaps and deficiencies in infrastructure and human resources.
Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Addl. Secretary and Mission Director (NHM), Health Ministry and senior officials of the Union Health Ministry were present at the event.