MNS:- The Government conducts periodic assessment of the progress of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in the States including North-Eastern Region (NER) through the mechanism of Annual Common Review Missions (CRM). A total of 5 CRMs have been concluded so far since the inception of NRHM. Further, an evaluation study of the NRHM in 7 States (including Assam) was undertaken by the Planning Commission in 2011..
The 5th Common Review Mission, which covered 15 States including the North Eastern States of Assam and Sikkim has noted the following positive outcomes of the NRHM:
i. Substantial increase in human resources through introduction of incentives, compulsory rural service for medical graduates, rotational posting, amendment of recruitment rules and increase in retirement age.
ii. Increase in OPD and IPD attendance in most of the States,
iii. Emergence of an assured referral transport systems in many States,
iv. Improvement in the availability of outreach services in all States, increased access to the health system through ASHAs including NER.
v. Increased utilization of funds.
vi. The state of Assam could reach out to the unreached and marginalized population in riverine areas through boat clinics for providing universal primary health care service.
vii.Significant improvement in the implementation of National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) strategy in the state of AssamThe report also, inter-alia, mentions certain shortcomings and recommends to fill- up the gaps in infrastructure, human resources, reduce out of pocket expenses etc. Details of the findings of the 5th CRM, including State wise reports, can be accessed at:http://www.mohfw.nic.in/NRHM/CRM/CRM_files/Fifth_CRM.htm
Further, the Evaluation Study of NRHM in 7 States conducted by the Planning Commission in February 2011 highlights certain shortcomings but reveals that in the State of Assam all Sub-Health Centres(SHC) are having Auxiliary Nurse Mid-Wife(ANM) and nearly 55% of the SHCs are positioned with an additional 2nd ANM. The report also mentioned increase in civil works for upgradation of facilities etc..in the State of Assam.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/progress-of-nrhm-in-the-ner-states/
