The Union Health Ministry has set several deadlines to improve healthcare services across India. By year-end, an efficient drug delivery system should be in place at the primary healthcare level. Additionally, at least 50% of public health facilities must achieve National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) certification by December 2024, with a target of 100% compliance by 2026.
Following discussions at the third National Conference of Chief Secretaries, the ministry has outlined specific action points. States and Union Territories (UTs) must complete Ayushman cards for the remaining 200 million beneficiaries by December 31. Enhanced IT usage is required to ensure health professional availability at facilities. Health Secretary Apurva Chandra emphasized the need for mock drills to prepare for outbreaks like COVID-19, follow-ups on Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) cards using AI, and focused efforts on TB and sickle cell anemia elimination.
Chandra highlighted the link between “health & wellness” and “ease of living,” aiming to improve overall life quality. The U-WIN portal, digitizing routine vaccinations, is part of the Modi 3.0 government’s 100-day agenda. Other tasks include TB prevention, registering health professionals on Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) registries, screening those over 30 for diabetes and hypertension, and completing critical care blocks under the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM).
As reported by Medical Buyer, states must ensure the ‘Scan and Share’ facility using the ABDM ecosystem in Central and district hospitals by next year-end. Additionally, health schemes for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups must be accessible through the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) by March 2026.