PM–ABHIM: Building a Pandemic-Ready India
Context:
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) recently highlighted the progress of the Pradhan Mantri–Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM–ABHIM). The mission has made significant strides in strengthening India’s pandemic preparedness and public health infrastructure. It aims to make the healthcare system resilient, accessible, and self-reliant, ensuring that the nation is better equipped to face future health emergencies.
About PM–ABHIM
What it is:
The Pradhan Mantri–Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM–ABHIM) is a pan-India health infrastructure programme aimed at building a comprehensive and robust public health system. It focuses on:
- Pandemic preparedness and disease surveillance
- Strengthening healthcare delivery from primary to tertiary levels
- Promoting self-reliance in the public health sector
Launched on: October 25, 2021
Launched by: The Prime Minister of India
Implemented by: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) under the Ayushman Bharat initiative
Objectives
- To develop strong public health infrastructure capable of managing pandemics and health emergencies.
- To create an IT-enabled, integrated disease surveillance network connecting local, regional, and national systems.
- To contribute towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and achieve Sustainable Development Goal-3 (SDG-3) — Good Health and Well-Being.
Key Features
- Financial Outlay: ₹64,180 crore for the period 2021–26.
- Structure: A hybrid model comprising both Centrally Sponsored and Central Sector components.
- Surveillance Network: Development of a National Disease Surveillance Platform linking laboratories and health centres through a real-time IT system.
- Integration with National Frameworks: Aligns with key health policies such as the National Health Policy 2017, National Health Mission (NHM), and Ayushman Bharat Scheme to ensure a unified and efficient healthcare framework.
- Focus Areas:
- Strengthening rural and urban health centres
- Promoting research on infectious diseases
- Enhancing community health capacity and training healthcare personnel
Significance
- Pandemic Preparedness:
PM–ABHIM equips India with the capacity to handle future epidemics through decentralised, rapid response systems, and well-trained public health personnel. - Healthcare Access and Equity:
It ensures affordable, quality healthcare for both rural and urban populations, bridging the healthcare divide and improving access across regions. - Sustainable Development:
The mission supports India’s journey towards health security, universal health coverage, and achievement of SDG-3 goals.
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri–Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM–ABHIM) marks a crucial step in India’s healthcare transformation. By focusing on infrastructure, surveillance, and accessibility, it strengthens the country’s ability to respond effectively to health crises while moving closer to the vision of a Healthy and Resilient India.
Source : PIB