National Urban Health Mission NUHM Overview

India’s rapid urbanisation has led to significant health challenges, such as overcrowding and inadequate medical facilities. The National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) is a government initiative launched to improve healthcare services in urban areas. NU HM focuses on delivering quality medical care to urban vulnerable groups.

This article explores key features, objectives, eligibility and benefits of NUHM, and how it addresses India’s urban population’s healthcare needs.

What is the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM)?

NUHM was introduced in 2013 under the National Health Mission (NHM) to strengthen urban public healthcare systems. Urban dwellers face high population density, unplanned settlements and a lack of affordable healthcare. The NUHM scheme ensures the urban marginalised population receives healthcare through NUHM hospitals, dispensaries and outreach programs. This urban health mission mainly targets urban populations like slum dwellers, construction workers, street vendors and the homeless. Unlike rural healthcare programs, NUHM caters to the unique challenges of urban health, including a lack of sanitation and non-communicable diseases. The mission emphasises strengthening infrastructure, increasing the healthcare workforce and promoting health insurance schemes.

Objectives of the NUHM scheme

The NUHM scheme has objectives to enhance healthcare accessibility and ensure better health outcomes in urban areas, including:

1. Developing public health infrastructure by upgrading existing urban healthcare facilities and building new ones.
2. Reducing infant and maternal mortality rates through ensuring safe deliveries, immunisation and postnatal care.
3. Empower local communities and engage community participation by involving NGOs and other stakeholders in healthcare delivery.
4. Promote health insurance by encouraging enrollment in individual health insurance schemes like Ayushman Bharat.
5. Reducing health inequalities through equitable healthcare access to provide essential health services to the urban vulnerable populations.
6. Converge health with other services by collaborating with sanitation, housing and water supply departments to improve social determinants of health.
7. Improve primary healthcare by establishing Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs).
8. Prevent communicable diseases by strengthening disease surveillance and control in slums.

Features of NUHM

The NUHM incorporates several key features to meet its goals, including:

1. Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs): These centres provide outpatient care, maternal and child services and essential diagnostics.
2. Mobile Medical Units (MMUs): In areas without infrastructure, mobile units serve as travelling clinics, providing health care to underserved areas.
3. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): NUHM encourages collaboration with NGOs and private hospitals to expand service delivery.
4. Outreach through ASHAs and MAS: Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) are trained to engage with the community in health awareness and referrals. Mahila Arogya Samitis (MAS) facilitate women’s participation in health awareness and action.
5. Focus on non-communicable diseases (NCDs): Given the rise of hypertension, diabetes and other chronic conditions in urban areas, NUHM prioritises screening and preventive services.
6. Referral systems: Linking UPHCs with NUHM hospital for advanced treatment.
7. Health cards: Issuing cards to beneficiaries ensures easy access to healthcare services.

Eligibility for NUHM scheme

The NUHM scheme is inclusive, focusing on the most vulnerable sections of society. It primarily targets:

1. Residents of urban slums and informal settlements.
2. Urban homeless, street vendors and daily wage workers without access to healthcare.
3. Migrant workers and those without access to regular health facilities and medical security.
4. Marginalised communities: While no income limit is set, priority is given to economically weaker groups in society.

Benefits of NUHM

The urban health mission offers direct and indirect benefits,  including:

1. Affordable healthcare: Free and subsidised health services at UPHCs and NUHM hospitals. 
2. Preventive care and disease control: There is screening and treatment for TB, HIV and other communicable diseases.
3. Health insurance coverage: NUHM facilities link individuals with individual health insurance plans.
4. Maternal and child health services: Antenatal care, immunisations and nutrition support.
5. Emergency services: Access to ambulance services for critical care.
6. Health awareness: MAS and ASHAs hold hygiene, sanitation and preventive care campaigns.

FAQs

1. How can I locate a NUHM hospital in my city?

You can check with your local municipal corporation or visit the National Health Mission website for a directory of NUHM hospitals and UPHCs.

2. Are private hospitals part of NUHM?

Yes, the NUHM scheme collaborates with private hospitals under PPP models to extend services.

3. Can I use NUHM along with my health insurance?

Yes. While NUHM provides basic care, individual health insurance can complement it by covering hospitalisation and advanced treatments.

4. Can migrants avail of NUHM benefits?

Yes, migrants residing in urban areas are eligible for NUHM services.

Conclusion

The National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) is a transformative step towards equitable healthcare in India’s rapidly growing urban areas. While enrolling in the NUHM scheme offers valuable healthcare access for eligible individuals, it is also crucial to consider securing health insurance that can help cover hospitalisation costs, surgeries, emergency treatments, outpatient services and prescription medications, providing a safety net for unexpected medical expenses and ensuring comprehensive care when needed.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.