India’s health system consists of public, private, and voluntary sectors working together to deliver healthcare services. National health programs are major initiatives launched by the Government of India to control diseases, improve health standards, and provide equitable healthcare. Pharmacists play a key role in ensuring the success of these programs through counselling, medication management, and public awareness.
1. Introduction to the Indian Health System
The Indian health system operates at three levels:
- Primary level: Sub-Centres, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Health & Wellness Centres.
- Secondary level: Community Health Centres (CHCs), District Hospitals.
- Tertiary level: Medical colleges, specialty hospitals, AIIMS and apex institutions.
The system aims to ensure affordable, accessible, and quality care for all citizens through public health programs, disease control measures, and preventive services.
2. Major National Health Programs in India
These programs address specific health priorities, reduce disease burden, and improve population health.
2.1 National Health Mission (NHM)
NHM includes the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and National Urban Health Mission (NUHM).
Objectives
- Strengthen primary healthcare.
- Reduce maternal and child mortality.
- Improve access to essential drugs, diagnostics, and vaccines.
Functioning
- Health & Wellness Centres, ASHA workers, Mobile Medical Units.
- Free drugs & diagnostics initiative.
Outcomes
- Improved immunization coverage.
- Reduction in MMR and IMR.
- Strengthened rural healthcare.
2.2 Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)
Objectives
- Provide free vaccines against major childhood diseases.
Functioning
- Vaccines like BCG, OPV, DPT, Hepatitis B, MMR.
- Cold chain management.
Outcomes
- Sharp decline in vaccine-preventable diseases.
2.3 National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP)
Objectives
- Eliminate TB by 2025.
Functioning
- DOTS therapy, TB notification, free diagnostics.
Outcomes
- Improved detection and treatment success rate.
2.4 National AIDS Control Programme (NACP)
Objectives
- Prevent HIV transmission and provide ART treatment.
Functioning
- HIV testing centres, ART centres, awareness campaigns.
Outcomes
- Reduced HIV prevalence and increased ART coverage.
2.5 National Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP)
Covers malaria, dengue, chikungunya, filariasis, Japanese encephalitis.
Objectives
- Vector control and disease management.
Functioning
- Fogging, larval control, bed nets, early diagnosis.
Outcomes
- Significant reduction in malaria and dengue deaths.
2.6 National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS)
Objectives
- Early detection and management of NCDs.
Functioning
- Screening at Health & Wellness Centres.
Outcomes
- Increased awareness and early diagnosis of NCDs.
2.7 National Mental Health Programme (NMHP)
Objectives
- Provide mental health care and reduce stigma.
Functioning
- District Mental Health Programme, counselling services.
Outcomes
- Better access to psychiatric care.
Other Important Programs
- Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK)
- National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme
- National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB)
- National Leprosy Eradication Programme
- Swachh Bharat Mission – for sanitation & hygiene
3. Role of Pharmacists in National Health Programs
Pharmacists are frontline healthcare professionals who support the success of health programs through:
- Health education: Counselling on disease prevention, hygiene, family planning, and lifestyle modification.
- Medication management: Ensuring correct drug dispensing, adherence monitoring, and minimizing side effects.
- Support in immunization: Educating parents on vaccine schedules and cold chain awareness.
- Disease surveillance: Identifying symptoms, reporting outbreaks, and guiding patients.
- Support in TB, HIV, and NCD programs: Ensuring treatment adherence and preventing drug resistance.
- Public awareness campaigns: Promoting sanitation, nutrition, vector control, and healthy lifestyle habits.
