New Delhi: Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra released "Health Dynamics of India (Infrastructure and Human Resources) 2022-23", an annual publication formerly known as “Rural Health Statistics”, in NewDelhi on Sptember 9th, 2024. The document has been published since 1992.

Highlighting the document as a source of reliable and authentic information on various aspects of the National Health Mission (NHM), Apurva Chandra stated, “The annual publication is a valuable document furnishing much-needed information on manpower and infrastructure within NHM, helpful in policy-making, improving processes, and problem-solving.” He added that the document provides a cross-analysis across the states on the availability and deficiencies in manpower and infrastructure. The data is immensely helpful in understanding the requirements of the states, their priority areas, and formulating policies and targeted campaigns. The health statistics also aid in making a comparison of the performance of the states on different parameters.

The Union Health Secretary also pointed to the need to integrate the Health Management Information System (HMIS) Portal with Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) and other portals of the Ministry to reduce the burden of work on health functionaries and ensure that the data are uploaded timely and analysed carefully.

Since 1992, the publication has provided detailed annual data on health infrastructure and human resources, with updates as of March 31 each year. This data is crucial for stakeholders in the health sector as it supports effective planning, monitoring, and management of health infrastructure across the country. By providing a clear snapshot of the current state of healthcare infrastructure and human resources, the publication serves as a foundational tool for identifying gaps and addressing needs in various areas, including rural, urban, and tribal regions.

The publication is structured in two parts. Part 1 presents an overall view of India's healthcare system with state and union territory profiles, using visual aids like maps and charts for clarity. Part 2 is divided into nine sections, offering in-depth data on health facilities, manpower, and demographic indicators. The information contained in the publication enables policymakers, health administrators, and planners to assess the distribution and adequacy of healthcare facilities and human resources. It helps in formulating targeted strategies to optimise health service delivery and allocate resources efficiently. Additionally, the data serves as a vision document for understanding the needs in different regions, facilitating a more equitable distribution of health services.

Overall, the publication is an essential resource for ensuring that health infrastructure development is aligned with the specific requirements of all population groups, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and responsive healthcare system across the country. As of March 31, 2023, the country has a total of 1,69,615 Sub-Centres (SCs), 31,882 Primary Health Centres (PHCs), 6,359 Community Health Centres (CHCs), 1,340 Sub-Divisional/District Hospitals (SDHs), 714 District Hospitals (DHs), and 362 Medical Colleges (MCs) serving both rural and urban areas.

These healthcare infrastructures are supported by 2,39,911 Health Workers (Male + Female) at SCs, 40,583 Doctors/Medical Officers at PHCs, 26,280 Specialists & Medical Officers at CHCs, and 45,027 Doctors and Specialists at SDHs and DHs. Additionally, there are 47,932 Staff Nurses at PHCs, 51,059 Nursing Staff at CHCs, and 1,35,793 Paramedical Staff at SDHs and DHs across the country.

The publication “Health Dynamics of India (Infrastructure and Human Resources) 2022-23” can be accessed under the Documents Section on the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare website by using the link: https://mohfw.gov.in/.

The key features of the publication include a comparative analysis of health infrastructure and manpower between 2005 and 2023, highlighting progress and gaps. It provides district-level details of health facilities, including Sub-Centres, Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres, Sub-District Hospitals, District Hospitals, and Medical Colleges. The data also focuses on infrastructure and manpower in rural, urban, and tribal areas, offering targeted insights for policy planning. The document classifies states and union territories based on key healthcare performance metrics, aiding in targeted interventions. The findings are summarised at the beginning for quick reference, making it user-friendly and accessible for stakeholders. Additionally, it serves as a crucial tool for healthcare planning and management by identifying gaps and deficiencies in infrastructure and human resources.

Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Mission Director (NHM), Health Ministry, and senior officials of the Union Health Ministry were present at the event. /BI