PM- Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM)Scheme

Introduction to PM-ABHIM

PM-ABHIM is a centrally sponsored scheme designed to address the gaps in India’s healthcare system exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. It focuses on expanding and upgrading the existing healthcare infrastructure, ensuring better access to quality healthcare services, and preparing the country to tackle public health emergencies.

Objectives of PM-ABHIM

Strengthening Public Health Infrastructure
- Upgrade health facilities at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
- Ensure the availability of critical care services in underserved areas.
Enhancing Disease Surveillance
- Develop a robust and integrated public health surveillance system.
- Improve data collection and analysis to detect and respond to health threats.
Building Capacity for Emergencies
- Prepare for future pandemics and public health emergencies by establishing dedicated facilities and training healthcare professionals.
Promoting Equitable Healthcare Access
- Reduce disparities in healthcare services across rural and urban areas.
- Focus on underserved regions and vulnerable populations.

Key Components of PM-ABHIM

1. Critical Care Facilities

Establishment of Critical Care Hospital Blocks (CCBs) in 12 central institutions and 602 districts.
Focus on providing advanced medical services, including ICU beds and specialized equipment.

2. Public Health Laboratories

Creation of Integrated Public Health Labs (IPHLs) in all districts.
Strengthening diagnostic capabilities for diseases and public health emergencies.

3. Block-Level Health Units

Upgrading health and wellness centers to provide specialized services at the block level.
Emphasis on accessibility in remote and rural areas.

4. Disease Surveillance and Diagnostics

Implementation of the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) for real-time disease monitoring.
Development of a nationwide laboratory network for early detection of outbreaks.

5. Training and Capacity Building

Training programs for healthcare workers, paramedics, and administrators.
Building a skilled workforce for efficient pandemic response and routine healthcare services.

6. Urban Health and Wellness Centers

Establishment of 17,788 new Urban Health and Wellness Centers (UHWC) to cater to growing urban populations.
Provision of preventive, promotive, and curative health services.

7. Strengthening Health Systems

Enhancing governance and management of public health institutions.
Encouraging the use of digital health technologies.

Funding and Implementation

PM-ABHIM has an estimated budget of ₹64,180 crore over five years, with funding shared between the Central Government and State Governments based on the standard financing pattern.

The implementation involves:

Collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and state governments.
Involvement of private sector players in specific components, such as diagnostics and digital health.
Monitoring through periodic reviews and progress reports.

Significance of PM-ABHIM

1. Addressing Pandemic Preparedness
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for robust health systems. PM-ABHIM addresses this by creating infrastructure to handle future health emergencies effectively.
2. Reducing Health Inequities
The scheme targets underserved areas and vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services.
3. Strengthening Preventive Healthcare
By focusing on health and wellness centers, the mission emphasizes preventive and promotive healthcare, reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases.
4. Boosting Employment and Economic Growth
Investments in healthcare infrastructure create jobs in construction, administration, and healthcare, contributing to economic development.
5. Digital Health Integration
The mission integrates digital health initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) to improve service delivery and patient outcomes.

Challenges in Implementation

Funding Constraints
- Ensuring timely and adequate financial allocations for infrastructure development.
Workforce Shortages
- Recruiting and retaining skilled healthcare professionals in remote areas.
Coordination with States
- Aligning state priorities with the central mission’s objectives.
Infrastructure Gaps
- Bridging disparities in healthcare facilities between urban and rural regions.
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Ensuring effective monitoring mechanisms for transparency and accountability.

Relevance of PM-ABHIM for UPSC Aspirants

1. General Studies (GS) Paper II: Governance and Social Justice

Government schemes and policies for healthcare.
Role of the Centre and States in public health management.

2. General Studies (GS) Paper III: Economy and Disaster Management

Investment in health infrastructure as a driver of economic growth.
Preparedness for health emergencies and pandemics.

3. General Studies (GS) Paper IV: Ethics

Ethical considerations in healthcare delivery.
Addressing inequalities and ensuring equity in health services.

4. Essay Writing

Topics like “Building Resilient Healthcare Systems for a Sustainable Future” or “Health for All: The Path to Inclusive Development” are closely linked to PM-ABHIM.

5. Prelims and Interview Preparation

Understanding the scheme’s objectives, components, and significance provides a comprehensive view of India’s healthcare policies.

Case Studies for Exam Preparation

Critical Care Expansion
- Example: Establishment of ICU facilities in rural districts.
- Impact: Improved access to advanced medical care for underserved populations.
Disease Surveillance
- Example: Implementation of IHIP during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Impact: Early detection and containment of outbreaks.
Urban Health Centers
- Example: Functioning of Urban Health and Wellness Centers in metropolitan areas.
- Impact: Reduced burden on tertiary care hospitals.

Conclusion

The PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) is a transformative initiative that addresses critical gaps in India’s healthcare system. By focusing on infrastructure, capacity building, and digital integration, it aims to create a resilient and equitable health ecosystem.

For UPSC aspirants, understanding PM-ABHIM provides valuable insights into healthcare governance, public policy, and disaster management, making it an indispensable part of exam preparation.

Maximize the benefits of mock tests for IAS and KAS preparation with guidance from Amoghavarsha IAS Academy . For more details, visit https://amoghavarshaiaskas.in/.

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PM- Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM)Scheme

Introduction to PM-ABHIM

Objectives of PM-ABHIM

Key Components of PM-ABHIM

1. Critical Care Facilities

Establishment of Critical Care Hospital Blocks (CCBs) in 12 central institutions and 602 districts.

Focus on providing advanced medical services, including ICU beds and specialized equipment.

2. Public Health Laboratories

Creation of Integrated Public Health Labs (IPHLs) in all districts.

Strengthening diagnostic capabilities for diseases and public health emergencies.

3. Block-Level Health Units

Upgrading health and wellness centers to provide specialized services at the block level.

Emphasis on accessibility in remote and rural areas.

4. Disease Surveillance and Diagnostics

Implementation of the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) for real-time disease monitoring.

Development of a nationwide laboratory network for early detection of outbreaks.

5. Training and Capacity Building

Training programs for healthcare workers, paramedics, and administrators.

Building a skilled workforce for efficient pandemic response and routine healthcare services.

6. Urban Health and Wellness Centers

Establishment of 17,788 new Urban Health and Wellness Centers (UHWC) to cater to growing urban populations.

Provision of preventive, promotive, and curative health services.

7. Strengthening Health Systems

Enhancing governance and management of public health institutions.

Encouraging the use of digital health technologies.

Funding and Implementation

Significance of PM-ABHIM

1. Addressing Pandemic Preparedness

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for robust health systems. PM-ABHIM addresses this by creating infrastructure to handle future health emergencies effectively.

2. Reducing Health Inequities

The scheme targets underserved areas and vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services.

3. Strengthening Preventive Healthcare

By focusing on health and wellness centers, the mission emphasizes preventive and promotive healthcare, reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases.

4. Boosting Employment and Economic Growth

Investments in healthcare infrastructure create jobs in construction, administration, and healthcare, contributing to economic development.

5. Digital Health Integration

The mission integrates digital health initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) to improve service delivery and patient outcomes.

Challenges in Implementation

Relevance of PM-ABHIM for UPSC Aspirants

1. General Studies (GS) Paper II: Governance and Social Justice

Government schemes and policies for healthcare.

Role of the Centre and States in public health management.

2. General Studies (GS) Paper III: Economy and Disaster Management

Investment in health infrastructure as a driver of economic growth.

Preparedness for health emergencies and pandemics.

3. General Studies (GS) Paper IV: Ethics

Ethical considerations in healthcare delivery.

Addressing inequalities and ensuring equity in health services.

4. Essay Writing

Topics like “Building Resilient Healthcare Systems for a Sustainable Future” or “Health for All: The Path to Inclusive Development” are closely linked to PM-ABHIM.

5. Prelims and Interview Preparation

Understanding the scheme’s objectives, components, and significance provides a comprehensive view of India’s healthcare policies.

Case Studies for Exam Preparation

Conclusion

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