National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) - Benefits and Objectives

Know everything about National Urban Health Mission (NUHM), its features and benefits, objective and who can benefit from the scheme.
Explore Health Insurance Plans
3 mins
30-July-2023

The NUHM (National Urban Health Mission) was launched by the Indian Union Cabinet on May 1, 2013, to address the need to provide quality healthcare services to the urban population, with a special emphasis on low-income groups. Under this scheme, the government intends to provide healthcare facilities at affordable prices to the urban poor and other vulnerable sections of society.

National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) focuses on providing essential healthcare services like maternal and child health, prevention and control of non-communicable and communicable diseases, access to clean water and sanitation facilities, and improving the overall quality of healthcare in urban areas. NUHM is a crucial step towards achieving the government's larger objective of universal health coverage and improving the health and well-being of all citizens. The NUHM covers all the towns and cities with a population of 50,000 and above.

What is the full form of NUHM?

NUHM stands for National Urban Health Mission. It is an initiative by the Government of India aimed at improving the healthcare infrastructure and services in urban areas, particularly for the urban poor and vulnerable populations.

National Urban Health Mission (NUHM): Overview

Given below is a brief overview of the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM):

Scheme name

NUHM – National Urban Health Mission

Year of launch

2005

Objective

To effectively address the health concerns of the urban poor population.

Funding ratio

Except for North-Eastern states including Sikkim, the funding ratio is 75:25. In special category states like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, it's 90:10.


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Objectives of the NUHM

The following points give an overview of the prime objectives of National Urban Health Mission:

  • To improve the health status of people living in urban areas.
  • To provide comprehensive healthcare services that can meet the health needs of the urban poor.
  • To reduce health inequalities.
  • To strengthen health care systems and improve infrastructure.
  • To address the shortage of health care professionals in urban areas.

Another government health insurance scheme that is available for people is the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). Check the PMJAY registration here.

Key features of the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM)

NUHM focuses on the provision of effective health care services to the urban poor population. Here’s a quick look at the key features of NUHM.

Features

Specifications

Network hospitals

Tie-up with several hospitals across India to provide quality healthcare services

Urban Social Health Activists (USHA)

One USHA against 1,000-2,000 urban poor population, covering around 200-500 households.

Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (AUM)

About four to five ANMs are appointed in every primary healthcare service centre.

Urban Community Health Centre (U-CHC)

These are satellite hospitals, comprising 30-40 beds providing patient services.

Community-based groups

Encourages to create groups to provide different healthcare requirements. For example, Mahila Arogya Samiti promotes necessary health and hygiene practices for the eligible section of people.

Urban Primary Health Centre (U-PHC)
Primary lab diagnosis, outpatient department (OPD) consultation, health education and counselling for communicable and non-communicable diseases, drug dispensing etc.
Convergence for communicable and non-communicable diseases The NUHM offers integrated solutions for both communicable and non-communicable diseases, including HIV/AIDS, by emphasising coordinated planning at the municipal level.
Community-based groups NUHM has several groups for serving different healthcare requirements in eligible communities.
MPLADS (Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme) MLAs, MPs, and MCs receive area development funds through NUHM, which they can utilize to establish essential health facilities in urban areas as they see fit.


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Key benefits of the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM)

Here are the key benefits of National Urban Health Mission:

  • Promotion of preventive and curative health care services.
  • Training of health care staff to strengthen health systems.
  • Provision of free medication, diagnostics, and follow-ups.
  • Home-based care services for elderly, disabled, and bedridden patients.
  • Counselling services on health-related issues for women and children.
  • Aims to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates by providing quality healthcare facilities to expectant mothers and newborns.
  • Provides health care facilities to people living with diseases such as TB, HIV, and other communicable diseases.

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What is the role of National Urban Health Mission (NUHM)?

The National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) plays a major role in improving the healthcare facilities in urban areas. NUHM aims to provide accessible and affordable healthcare services to the urban population. It aims to strengthen public health systems and provide comprehensive primary healthcare services to the poor and underprivileged sections of society. NUHM also focuses on preventive measures to control the spread of communicable and non-communicable diseases. It is a key player in India's efforts to achieve universal health coverage, and its role is crucial in ensuring that all citizens have access to quality healthcare services and health insurance.

Who is eligible for the National Urban Health Mission?

The eligibility for National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) is anyone living in urban areas, particularly the urban poor, and other vulnerable sections of the society. NUHM provides essential healthcare services to all the urban poor, irrespective of their caste, religion, or gender. The health insurance scheme provides affordable healthcare services to the economically weaker sections, which include migrant workers, daily wage earners, and people living in slums.

How to avail of National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) benefits?

First, you need to check if you are eligible for NUHM benefits. Only people living in urban areas, below the poverty line, and without any health insurance coverage can avail the NUHM benefits.

Next, you need to visit the nearest NUHM centre and register yourself. The centre will provide you with a unique ID card, which you can use to avail NUHM benefits.

After registration, you can visit any government or network private hospital for medical consultation and treatment. National Urban Health Mission will cover all the healthcare expenses, and you will not have to pay anything out of your pocket.

The National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) is a crucial initiative of the Government of India. The scheme provides comprehensive healthcare services, including preventive and curative care, diagnostics, and follow-ups. NUHM also works towards strengthening the health systems and improving the health infrastructure in urban areas.

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Frequently asked questions

When was National Urban Health Mission launched in India?

The Government of India launched National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) in India in the year 2013.

What is the purpose of the National Urban Health Mission?

The primary purpose of the NUHM is to provide essential and quality healthcare services to vulnerable sections of society residing in urban areas. The scheme aims to provide affordable medical services to the urban poor. It also aims at reducing infant and maternal mortality rates by strengthening the healthcare system and training health workers.

Who funds the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM)?

The central government and state governments fund the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) as part of the National Health Mission scheme. Under the NUHM, the central government provides up to 70% of funds to the northeastern states and 60% to the other states and UTs.

What are the achievements of NUHM so far?

Some of the achievements of NUHM include the establishment of Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs), improvement in maternal and child health services, and increased awareness about preventive healthcare among urban citizens.

What is the role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in NUHM?

Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a vital role in NUHM. They act as a bridge between the community and the healthcare system and provide doorstep healthcare services and counselling to people in urban areas.

What is the difference between NUHM and NRHM (National Rural Health Mission)?

The main difference between NUHM and NRHM is the area of focus. While NUHM is focused on providing healthcare services to people living in urban areas, NRHM is focused on improving the healthcare infrastructure and services in rural areas. Both initiatives are aimed at providing quality healthcare to people in different geographic locations to overcome regional disparities.

Who launched National Urban Health Mission (NUHM)?

The central government had launched National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) in 2013. It is a flagship programme that aims to improve the healthcare services in urban areas. NUHM focuses on strengthening public health systems and providing affordable healthcare to the poor and underprivileged sections of society. It is an important initiative in India's efforts to ensure that all citizens have access to quality healthcare services and health insurance.

Does NUHM have different roles in different states/UTs?

NUHM's roles may vary across states and Union Territories (UTs) based on their specific urban health needs, demographics, and healthcare infrastructure. This flexibility allows NUHM to adapt its strategies and interventions to local contexts effectively.

What is the purpose of NUHM?

The NUHM scheme strives to address the comprehensive health needs and financial challenges faced by urban residents, with a particular focus on those living in poverty.

What are the benefits of the National Health Mission?

The National Health Mission aims to attain universal access to fair, affordable, and high-quality healthcare services that are accountable and responsive to the needs of the people.

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