Govt of India took initiatives through 'Whole of Government' approach during the Covid-19 pandemic
To address the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government of India adopted a 'Whole of Government' approach to enhance healthcare infrastructure and manage the surge in demand effectively.
Among the key initiatives by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare was the launch of the Pradhan Mantri - Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) on October 25, 2021.
This scheme, with an allocation of Rs. 64,180 crores, is set to be implemented over five years, from 2021-22 to 2025-26. Its goal is to address critical gaps in health infrastructure, improve surveillance, and advance health research, covering both urban and rural areas.
The Pradhan Mantri - Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) was introduced to enhance public health infrastructure and prepare for future pandemics.
This initiative, part of a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) with Central Sector components, aims to improve healthcare at all levels—primary, secondary, and tertiary. It includes building Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in rural and urban areas, strengthening Block Public Health Units, and establishing Integrated District Public Health Labs and Critical Care Hospital Blocks.
The scheme also supports Central Sector Components focusing on Surveillance, Health Emergency Response, Research, and Pandemic Preparedness.
The India Covid-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package (ECRP-I) of Rs. 15,000 crores, approved on April 22, 2020, and the subsequent ECRP-II of Rs. 23,123 crores, approved on July 8, 2021, provide vital support for healthcare facilities, with a focus on immediate pandemic response and infrastructure development, including pediatric care.
- With inputs from agencies
