Massive decline in MMR, IMR; JP Nadda lauds Odisha, Ayushman Bharat for prompt cancer treatment

Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Friday lauded the National Health Mission (NHM) which has significantly contributed to improving India’s public health outcomes through various efforts in addressing critical health issues, and fostering an integrated response to health emergencies across the country.

While addressing the 9th national summit on Good and Replicable Practices and Innovation in Public Healthcare System in India being held at Puri, JP Nadda today praised Odisha for its impressive progress in key health indicators.

“There was a time when we used to hear a lot of things about Odisha that it lacked on several aspects. But the scenario has now changed. The maternal and infant mortality rate in Odisha has now declined, which is a matter of pride,” said Nadda.

The Union Health Minister further said that there has been an accelerated decline in Maternal Mortality Rate, Infant Mortality Rate, under 5 Mortality Rate in the country and the decline is double that the global decline.

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How Change Happened?

Union Health Minister JP Nadda informed that when the new health policy came in 2017, a major change was adopted- from curative, tertiary health care to focus on preventive, promotive and comprehensive approach. The preventive part was much crucial along with promotive, and making all facilities comprehensive was also a challenge for all.

“From 2017, we have gone for a balanced approach where we are taking care of primary, secondary, tertiary and also going for comprehensive health care. If the goals and targets are correct, our journey becomes easier. Quality healthcare and accessible healthcare are important things that we need to give focus on. When we talk about India, we talk about 1.4 billion population and till we strengthen our basis and connect with quality health, the load till we reach the pyramid will increase. The process under the National Health Mission has been impressive,” said Nadda.

Nation-wide Campaign

The Union Health Ministry has launched a nationwide campaign to screen individuals aged 30 and above for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and common cancers like oral, breast, and cervical cancer.

According to Nadda, focus is now being given on early detection and screening through over 1 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across the country. At these centres, universal screening of diabetes, hypertension, oral cancer, breast cancer, and cervical cancer is being done.

“Lifestyle and eating habits are also contributing to the rise in cancer cases. We have to see how to increase Jan Bhagidhari. Due to the Ayushman Bharat coverage, 90 percent of people getting diagnosed with cancer are getting treatment within 30 days of being detected,” informed Nadda.

WHO Praises India

If we talk about Malaria, WHO report 2024 appreciated the reduction of malaria cases in India, informed Union Health Minister.

As far as tuberculosis is concerned,  India has moved to an eradication state from a burden state as per the WHO global report. Under the 100 days TB Mukt Bharat campaign, we have already detected 5 lakh patients at the grassroot level. We have added more districts and we are going to add aspirational districts so that we can eliminate TB by 2025, said Nadda.