1. Definition and Importance

  1. Public health infrastructure refers to the framework and facilities essential for delivering health services to the population.
  2. It forms the foundation for preventive, promotive, and curative health care.
  3. A robust infrastructure ensures universal health coverage and access to essential services.
  4. Plays a critical role in addressing health emergencies and controlling disease outbreaks.

2. Components of Public Health Infrastructure

  1. Comprises primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of care.
  2. Primary Health Centers (PHCs): Focus on basic health care, immunization, maternal and child health services.
  3. Community Health Centers (CHCs): Act as referral centers and provide specialized services.
  4. District Hospitals: Serve as the backbone of secondary care services.
  5. Specialized Institutes: Tertiary care facilities for complex medical needs.
  6. Includes health workers, doctors, nurses, and administrative staff.
  7. Incorporates infrastructure like hospitals, laboratories, and diagnostic centers.
  8. Focuses on public health programs such as vaccination drives and sanitation campaigns.

3. Government Initiatives

  1. The National Health Mission (NHM) aims to strengthen rural and urban health infrastructure.
  2. Introduction of Ayushman Bharat for creating Health and Wellness Centers across the country.
  3. Under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), AIIMS and medical colleges are being established in underserved regions.
  4. Launch of e-Sanjeevani for telemedicine services in rural areas.
  5. Expansion of National Health Digital Mission to improve health data management.

4. Challenges in Public Health Infrastructure

  1. Unequal distribution of health facilities, with rural areas facing acute shortages.
  2. Inadequate funding and investment in health infrastructure.
  3. Shortage of skilled workforce, including doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff.
  4. Poor maintenance of existing facilities and outdated equipment.
  5. Limited focus on preventive health care and awareness programs.
  6. Emergence of new health challenges, including non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
  7. Urban-rural divide in terms of access and quality of health care services.

5. Recent Developments

  1. Increased focus on public-private partnerships (PPPs) for infrastructure development.
  2. Implementation of digital health initiatives such as teleconsultations and e-health records.
  3. Strengthening of the health surveillance system for monitoring disease outbreaks.
  4. Expansion of infrastructure under the One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health.
  5. Government emphasis on universal health coverage under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.

6. Way Forward

  1. Increased budget allocation for the health sector.
  2. Focus on capacity building and training of health professionals.
  3. Strengthening primary health care to reduce the burden on secondary and tertiary facilities.
  4. Utilization of technology to bridge gaps in access and quality.
  5. Enhancing public awareness about health programs and preventive care.
  6. Ensuring equity in health services to reach marginalized and underserved populations.

Questions

  1. What is the main objective of the National Health Mission (NHM)?
  2. Which is the lowest tier in the public health infrastructure of India?
  3. How many people does one Sub-centre cater to in plain areas?
  4. What is the minimum number of beds in a Community Health Centre (CHC)?
  5. What is the main role of Primary Health Centres (PHCs)?
  6. Under which ministry does the public health infrastructure in India function?
  7. What is the role of District Hospitals in the public health infrastructure?
  8. Which scheme aims at improving maternal health through institutional deliveries?
  9. What is the focus of the Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs)?
  10. What is the target year for achieving universal health coverage under the NHM?
  11. Which program focuses on immunization in India?
  12. What is the focus of the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY)?
  13. What is the recommended doctor-to-population ratio by WHO?
  14. Which health program is dedicated to adolescent health?
  15. What is the function of the Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committee (VHSNC)?
  16. How many doctors are recommended in a Primary Health Centre (PHC)?
  17. What is the significance of urban health centres under NHM?
  18. Which body regulates medical colleges in India?
  19. What does NRHM under NHM focus on?
  20. How is public health infrastructure funded in India?
  21. Which scheme aims to provide free treatment for the poor in empanelled hospitals?
  22. What is the role of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs)?
  23. What is the purpose of Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP)?
  24. Which tier of public health infrastructure handles advanced diagnostic services?
  25. What is the focus of the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM)?
  26. Which health indicator measures the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births?
  27. Which component of Ayushman Bharat focuses on secondary and tertiary health care?
  28. What is the recommended bed-to-population ratio by WHO?
  29. What is the role of the Rogi Kalyan Samiti?
  30. What is the term for the number of live births per 1,000 people in a year?
  31. What is the minimum number of staff required in a Sub-centre?
  32. What is the function of Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)?
  33. What is the standard population size covered by a PHC in hilly areas?
  34. What is the main aim of the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Program?
  35. Which initiative promotes the use of AYUSH in public health?
  36. What is the main focus of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in public health?