PHCs Converted Into 24x7 Services : To promote emergency health services, the Central Government has set up 24x7 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and First Referral Units (FRUs) across the country.

24x7 Services in Rural Areas : Under the National Health Mission (NHM), 12,348 PHCs have been converted to 24x7 services and 3,133 FRUs have been made operational till March last year. In addition, the fleet of Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) was expanded, with 1,424 MMUs now operational to ensure access to healthcare in remote and deprived areas.

The launch of the MMU portal in 2023 further strengthened monitoring and data collection on health indicators for vulnerable tribal groups. The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was apprised of the progress made under NHM during the years 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24. According to Health Ministry data, more than 31,000 PHCs are operational in the country, employing more than 40,000 doctors/medical officers to provide primary care to people in rural and hilly, tribal and desert areas.

While briefing the media about the meeting, Dr Vinay Agarwal, former president of the Indian Medical Association, said, "Keeping PHCs operational 24x7 is a great move as it will help people, especially those living in rural areas, to have quick access to emergency services." Agarwal said, "For example, in case of snake bites, most deaths occur because the patient is unable to reach the hospital on time. If medical facilities are ensured at the local level, in PHCs, it will help save many lives. Similarly, such a service will prove to be a great boon for maternal and child health as well."

He also emphasised the need to keep such facilities well-maintained with manpower, medicines and other key equipment. Another major achievement of the NHM was the enhancement of healthcare infrastructure. He said data showed that "in FY 2021-22, the NHM facilitated the appointment of 2.69 lakh additional healthcare workers, including general duty medical officers, specialists, staff nurses, ANMs, AYUSH doctors, allied healthcare workers and public health managers." "Further, the number of Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) centres providing a range of healthcare services has increased to 1,72,148 by the end of FY 2023-24, of which 1,34,650 centres are providing 12 key healthcare services."

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