Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM)

PM-ABHIM mission aims to provide robust healthcare services while improving research and disease surveillance capabilities across India. Check here Objectives and Key Features of PM-ABHIM in detail.

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Context: The Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) aims to revolutionize India’s healthcare system with an outlay of ₹64,180 crore (2021-26).

Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM)

PM-ABHIM was launched in October 2021 by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
It focuses on constructing health infrastructure, including sub-centres, wellness centres, labs and critical care units.

Objectives

To strengthen grassroots public health institutions.
To expand and build an IT-enabled disease surveillance system.
To expand research on COVID-19 and other infectious diseases and to develop the core capacity to deliver the One Health Approach.
Reducing dependence on private healthcare by enhancing public sector capacity.

Components

It consists of Centrally Sponsored Scheme Components [like Ayushman Bharat – Health & Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) in rural and urban areas].
Some Central Sector Components (like Critical Care Hospital Blocks).

Key Features of PM-ABHIM

Health and Wellness Centers: Nearly 150,000 centers are being set up to provide a range of services, including diagnostics, teleconsultations, and essential medicines.
Testing and Diagnostics Infrastructure: Integrated public health labs in all 730 districts and block-level public health units in over 3,000 locations are being developed.
Disease Research: Expansion of existing viral diagnostic and research labs, establishment of new National Institutes of Virology, and 15 Biosafety Level-3 labs.
Mobile Hospitals: Container-based mobile hospitals, a first in Asia, are stationed for rapid deployment during emergencies.
National Centers for Disease Control: Strengthening regional branches with divisions focusing on climate change, disaster management, and occupational health.

Benefits

Improved accessibility to affordable healthcare, especially for underserved populations.
Enhanced readiness for public health emergencies and pandemics.
Cost-free diagnostic tests for 134 conditions at the district level, reducing financial strain on individuals.