India’s Big Plans to Fight Pandemics: New Health Missions and Schemes
The Government of India took several initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure effective management and availability of sufficient healthcare infrastructure. Here are the key schemes launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare:
Pradhan Mantri – Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM)
Launched on October 25, 2021, with a budget of Rs. 64,180 crores, this mission aims to fill critical gaps in health infrastructure, surveillance, and health research across urban and rural areas. It focuses on developing capacities of health systems at all levels and preparing them for future pandemics.
Key Components:
- Construction of Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) in rural and urban areas
- Strengthening Block Public Health Units
- Establishing Integrated District Public Health Labs
- Creating Critical Care Hospital Blocks
India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package (ECRP)
Approved on April 22, 2020, with Rs. 15,000 crores, ECRP-I aimed to prevent, detect, and respond to COVID-19. An additional Rs. 8,473.73 crores was released to States and UTs.
ECRP Phase-II
Approved on July 8, 2021, with Rs. 23,123 crores, this phase aimed to enhance health system preparedness for immediate responsiveness, focusing on health infrastructure development, including pediatric care. Rs. 12,740.22 crores was released to States and UTs.
Doubts Revealed
Pandemics -: A pandemic is when a disease spreads across many countries and affects a large number of people. COVID-19 is an example of a pandemic.
Pradhan Mantri – Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) -: This is a big plan by the Indian government to improve hospitals and health services across the country. It has a budget of Rs. 64,180 crores.
Rs. 64,180 crores -: This is a large amount of money. One crore is equal to 10 million, so Rs. 64,180 crores is a huge sum meant for improving health services.
India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package (ECRP) -: This is another plan by the Indian government to fight COVID-19 and make health systems stronger. It has two phases and a total budget of Rs. 38,123 crores.
Phases I and II -: These are two parts of the ECRP plan. Phase I was the first part, and Phase II is the second part, both aimed at improving health services.
Rs. 38,123 crores -: This is another large amount of money. It is used to make sure hospitals and health services are ready to handle COVID-19 and other health issues.
Healthcare infrastructure -: This means all the hospitals, clinics, and medical equipment that help take care of people’s health. The government wants to make these better.
Public health facilities -: These are hospitals and clinics run by the government where people can get medical help, often at low or no cost.