9. INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH SYSTEMS AND ALL ONGOING NATIONAL HEALTH PROGRAMS IN INDIA. THEIR OBJECTIVES, FUNCTIONING, OUTCOME AND THE ROLE OF PHARMACEUTICALS

HEALTH SYSTEMS AND NATIONAL HEALTH PROGRAMS IN INDIA: A TEACHER’S COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

Welcome, future pharmacists and healthcare professionals!

According to WHO, the health system is the “sum total of all the organisations, institutions and resources whose primary purpose is to improve health.” A health system includes health activities, health programmes, medical care providing institutions (hospitals, clinics, primary health care centres), and the policies expressed by the government to deliver optimal healthcare for its citizens. A health system should be convenient, well-organised, economical, and of good quality.

As a pharmacy educator with years of experience teaching Social Pharmacy, I have observed that students often find the numerous National Health Programs overwhelming. However, understanding the health system and ongoing National Health Programs is essential for every pharmacist because we play a critical role in implementing these programs at the community level. In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through the organisation of the health system in India, the role of pharmacists in health programs, and detailed descriptions of all major ongoing National Health Programs. Let us begin our journey.

Dpharmguru’s exam insights:

Health systems and National Health Programs are among the most frequently tested topics in social pharmacy exams. Remember: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare oversees all health programs in India. Key programs include RNTCP (TB), NAMP (Malaria), NLEP (Leprosy), NACP (HIV/AIDS), NPCDCS (NCDs), EPI (Immunisation), ICDS (Child Development), and PM-JAY (Health Insurance). Understanding the objectives, functioning, and role of pharmacists in each program is essential!

5.1. HEALTH SYSTEMS IN INDIA

Health system generally includes the following:

• Growth of health policies, along with their implementation plan and development of regulatory system for health services.
• Define and develop the institutional framework to provide the health services in the range of this system.
• Assign and organise financial and human resources for its functioning.
• Organise, govern and provide the health services.

Organisation and Administration of Health System in India

The science of formulating and regulating government agencies whose goal is to promote the physical, mental, and social well-being of the people of the country is known as health administration.

Organisational Structure:

• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare: The apex body overseeing all health-related activities in India.
• Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS): Provides technical guidance and implements health programs.
• Department of Health: Responsible for disease control programs, blindness control, cancer control, mental health, and NCD prevention.
• Department of Health Research: Oversees medical research and technology assessment.
• National Health Mission (NHM): Includes NRHM and NUHM for rural and urban health.
• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI): Regulates food safety and quality.

5.2. NATIONAL HEALTH PROGRAMMES

Control/eradication of communicable/non-communicable diseases, upgrading of environmental cleanliness, raising the standard of nutrition, population control, and enhancing rural health are the functions for which the National Health Programmes have been established by the Central Government.

Various international organisations (WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, and World Bank) as well as foreign organisations (SIDA, DANIDA, NORAD, and USAID) have provided technical and material aid in the application of these health programmes.

Role of Pharmacist in National Health Programmes

• Direct Public Contact: Pharmacists have direct contact with the public and provide prescribed medications and OTC drugs.
• Reducing Mortality and Morbidity: Pharmacists play a critical role in reducing mortality and morbidity.
• Patient-Centered Practice: Pharmacists implement ‘patient-centered practice’ and ‘drug abuse prevention’.
• Nutrition Counselling: Advising patients about basic food needs, special diet instructions, and participating in school lunch programmes.
• Women Welfare: Supporting breastfeeding, advising on immunisation plans, and participating in women’s health awareness campaigns.
• Rational Use of Drugs: Educating patients on pharmaceutical administration, storage, and the drawbacks of polypharmacy.
• Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Smoking Cessation: Assisting people addicted to alcohol, helping smokers quit, and providing counselling sessions.
• Family Planning: Controlling population by counselling people and informing families about family planning options.
• Individualisation of Drug Therapy: Providing pharmacoeconomic advice, drug information, and maintaining patient medical history.

Dpharmguru’s exam insights:

The role of pharmacists in National Health Programs is frequently tested. Remember: Pharmacists contribute to nutrition counselling, women welfare, rational drug use, smoking cessation, family planning, and individualisation of drug therapy. Our role is not just dispensing medicines but also educating and counselling patients!

5.3. NATIONAL ARI CONTROL PROGRAMME

This programme was started in 1990 in India. The aim is to reduce deaths of children below 5 years of age due to pneumonia and other childhood disorders.

Objectives

• To lower the death rate of children below 5 years due to pneumonia.
• To minimise the seriousness of and death from pneumonia in children.
• To minimise the occurrence of Acute Lower Respiratory Infection (ALRI).
• To justify the use of drugs in Acute Respiratory Tract Infection (ARI).

Key Strategies

• Case management at community and health levels.
• Improving nutrition and reducing low birth weight.
• Providing vaccination facilities.
• Controlling indoor air pollution.
• Promoting complete breastfeeding and zinc supplementation.

5.4. NPCDCS

The National Health Programme for the Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) was launched in 2010. Non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide.

Objectives

• To encourage healthy lifestyle through media and community involvement.
• To perform screening for early detection of common cancers, diabetes, and stroke.
• To avoid and manage long-term NCDs (diabetes, cancer, stroke, CVD).
• To create a database of NCDs using surveillance system.

5.5. REVISED NATIONAL TUBERCULOSIS CONTROL PROGRAMME (RNTCP)

National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) was launched in 1962. The Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP), based on the internationally recommended Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) strategy, was launched in 1997.

Objectives

• Achievement of at least 85% cure rate of infectious TB cases through DOTS.
• Expansion of case-finding activities through quality sputum microscopy to detect at least 70% of estimated cases.

DOTS Strategy Components

• Political and Administrative Commitment: TB is the leading infectious cause of death—warrants top priority.
• Good Quality Diagnosis: Good quality microscopy for identification of infectious patients.
• Good Quality Drugs: Continuous supply of good quality anti-tubercular drugs.
• Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course Chemotherapy: DOTS strategy and other components of Stop TB strategy.

Two Phases in DOTS Treatment

• Intensive Phase (2-3 months): Medicines administered under observation of health worker; thrice a week on alternate days.
• Continuation Phase (4-5 months): Weekly blister pack provided to patient; first dose taken under direct observation.

Treatment Regimens

Category	Patient Type	Regimen
Category I	All new pulmonary (smear-positive and negative), extra-pulmonary TB patients	2H₃R₃Z₃E₃ + 4H₃R₃
Category II	TB patients who have had >1 month anti-TB treatment previously (Relapse, failure, treatment after default)	2H₃R₃Z₃E₃S₃ + 1H₃R₃Z₃E₃ + 5H₃R₃E₃

Role of Pharmacists in RNTCP

• Improved access of patients to government’s free anti-TB drugs (DOTS).
• Early detection of tuberculosis suspects to reduce delay in diagnosis.
• Promote use of anti-TB drugs in a rational manner.
• Counselling and educating the patients.
• Spreading awareness in the community.

Dpharmguru’s exam insights:

RNTCP is frequently tested. Remember: RNTCP was launched in 1997; DOTS has 5 components; Category I regimen is 2H₃R₃Z₃E₃ + 4H₃R₃; Category II is 2H₃R₃Z₃E₃S₃ + 1H₃R₃Z₃E₃ + 5H₃R₃E₃. Pharmacists play a key role in DOTS implementation and patient counselling!

5.6. NATIONAL ANTI-MALARIA PROGRAMME (NAMP)

Current National Drug Policy for Malaria (2010) has been formulated with the aim to provide more effective antimalarial drugs and address drug resistance status in the country.

Objectives

• To prevent deaths and morbidity due to malaria.
• To reduce API up to 1.3 or less in the 11th Five Year Plan.
• Minimum 50% reduction in mortality due to malaria.
• To halt and reverse the incidence of malaria.

Case Detection Methods

• Passive Case Detection: Blood slides collected from all fever cases in health units.
• Active Case Detection: Cases detected by domiciliary visits by health workers.
• Mass Blood Survey: Blood collected from all persons in the community for epidemiological investigation.

5.7. NATIONAL FILARIAL CONTROL PROGRAMME (NFCP)

The National Filarial Control Programme was initiated in 1955 after a pilot project in Orissa from 1949-1954.

Control Strategies

• Suitable larvicides sprayed at weekly intervals for vector control.
• Environmental measures: source reduction, water management, filling ditches, de-weeding, de-silting.
• Biological control via larvivorous fish.
• Anti-parasitic measures: detection and treatment of microfilaria carriers with DEC.

5.8. NATIONAL LEPROSY ERADICATION PROGRAMME (NLEP)

National Leprosy Control Program was launched in 1955. National Leprosy Eradication Programme was launched in 1983.

Objectives

• To facilitate early detection via active surveillance by trained health workers.
• To provide regular treatment by Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) at fixed centres.
• To increase health education and public awareness campaigns for removing social stigma.
• To facilitate suitable medical rehabilitation and leprosy ulcer care services.

Activities Under NLEP

• Diagnosis and Treatment of Leprosy (MDT) free of cost at all PHCs.
• Training of general health staff (medical officers, health workers, ASHAs).
• Urban Leprosy Control for populations >1 lakh.
• IEC activities for awareness generation and stigma reduction.
• NGO Services under SET Scheme (Survey, Education and Treatment).
• Disability Prevention and Medical Rehabilitation (DPMR).

Dpharmguru’s exam insights:

NLEP is frequently tested. Remember: NLEP launched in 1983; MDT is the treatment of choice; ASHAs are involved in detection; IEC activities reduce stigma; SET Scheme supports NGOs. Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) includes Dapsone, Rifampicin, and Clofazimine!

5.9. NATIONAL AIDS CONTROL PROGRAMME (NACP)

National AIDS Control Programme was launched in 1987. National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) was established as a separate wing.

Objectives

• High Prevalence State: To reduce the incidence rate by 60%.
• Vulnerable State: To reduce the incidence rate by 40%.

Components

• Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTC): HIV diagnostic tests, basic information on HIV transmission, linkage to prevention, care, and treatment services.
• Prevention of Parent-To-Child Transmission (PPTCT).
• HIV/Tuberculosis Collaborative Activities: HIV testing for TB patients, early linkage to HIV treatment.

Role of Pharmacist in NACP

• Arrange distribution of ARV medications.
• Maintain pharmaceutical inventories and dispensing records.
• Ensure ART centre has enough ARVs to last at least 3 months.
• Inform and counsel patients on medication adherence.
• Advise on potential drug side effects and report them.
• Participate in pharmacovigilance for ARVs and OIs medications.

5.10. STDS CONTROL PROGRAMME

National Sexually Transmitted Diseases Control Programme (NSTDsCP) was initiated in 1946. In 1992, it was made an essential part of the National AIDS Control Programme.

Objectives

• To explain the epidemiological effect of STDs.
• To discuss ways for minimising risk for STDs.
• To check how condoms can reduce risk for STDs.
• To illustrate clinical presentation, management, and prevention of STDs.

5.11. IODINE DEFICIENCY CONTROL PROGRAMME (IDCP)

National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP) was implemented in 1962.

Key Points

• Iodine content of salt should be 30 ppm at production level and 15 ppm at consumption level.
• Under PFA Act, 1954, standards for iodised salt were constituted.
• Testing kits developed for on-spot quality control of iodised salt.

Dpharmguru’s exam insights:

IDCP is frequently tested. Remember: NIDDCP launched in 1962; Iodine content: 30 ppm at production, 15 ppm at consumption; Salt Commissioner oversees production; PFA Act, 1954 regulates standards. Testing kits are used for quality control!

5.12. NATIONAL GUINEA WORM ERADICATION PROGRAMME (NGWEP)

NGWEP was launched in 1983-84 as a centrally-sponsored scheme on a 50:50 sharing basis between Centre and State Government.

Outcome

• In 1984, there were 39,792 cases in 12,840 villages.
• In April 1999, 7th Independent Evaluation showed zero guinea worm status.
• In February 2000, India was declared Guinea Worm disease-free.

5.13. EXPANDED PROGRAMME IMMUNISATION (EPI)

EPI was established in 1974. In 1977, the goal was set to immunise every child against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, and tuberculosis by 1990.

National Immunisation Schedule

For Infants:

• BCG: At birth or as early as possible till one year of age.
• Hepatitis B – Birth Dose: At birth or within 24 hours.
• OPV: At birth (OPV-0), 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks.
• Pentavalent (DPT + Hep B + Hib): 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks.
• PCV: 6 weeks and 14 weeks (primary), 9-12 months (booster).
• Rotavirus (RVV): 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks.
• IPV (Fractional): 6 and 14 weeks.
• Measles Rubella (MR): 9-12 months.
• Vitamin A (1st Dose): At 9 months with MR.

For Children:

• DPT Booster-1: 16-24 months.
• MR 2nd Dose: 16-24 months.
• OPV Booster: 16-24 months.
• Vitamin A (2nd to 9th dose): 16-18 months, then every 6 months up to 5 years.
• DPT Booster-2: 5-6 years.
• TT/Td: 10 years and 16 years.

• • TT/Td-1: Early in pregnancy.

• • TT/Td-2: 4 weeks after TT-1.

• • TT/Td-Booster: If received 2 TT doses in a pregnancy within last 3 years.

The National Immunisation Schedule is frequently tested. Remember: BCG at birth; Pentavalent (DPT+Hep B+Hib) at 6, 10, 14 weeks; MR at 9-12 months; DPT booster at 16-24 months and 5-6 years; TT for pregnant women. Vitamin A doses: 1st at 9 months, then every 6 months up to 5 years!

5.14. NATIONAL DIABETES CONTROL PROGRAMME (NDCP)

NDCP was initiated during the 7th Five Year Plan in 1987 in some districts of Tamil Nadu, Jammu and Kashmir, and Karnataka.

Role of Pharmacist

• • Support Self Blood Glucose Monitoring (SBGM).

• • Keep track of and encourage patient compliance.

• • Recognise and address drug-related issues.

• • Provide specialised education.

• • Assess blood glucose in the pharmacy for early discovery.

• • Provide guidance on medication administration, side effects, and storage.

• • Assist in selecting prescribed insulin, dose, syringe, and administration technique.

5.15. NATIONAL CANCER CONTROL PROGRAMME (NCCP)

NCCP was launched in 1975. In 1984-85, it was revised with more focus on primary prevention and early detection.

Objectives

• • Primary prevention by health education on harmful effects of tobacco and genital hygiene for cervical cancer prevention.

• • Secondary prevention by early detection through screening methods and self-examination.

• • To intensify existing cancer treatment facilities.

• • To facilitate palliative care in terminal stage cancer.

Activities

• • Establishment of New Regional Cancer Centres (RCCs).

• • Strengthening of Existing RCCs (one-time grant of ₹3 crores).

• • Development of Oncology Wing (grant of ₹3 crores).

• • District Cancer Control Programme (DCCP) (grant of ₹90 lakh per proposal for 5 years).

• • Decentralised NGO Scheme (grant of ₹8,000 per camp for IEC activities).

Dpharmguru’s exam insights:

NCCP is frequently tested. Remember: NCCP launched in 1975; Revised in 1984-85; 27 RCCs; 82 oncology wings; DCCP runs in 28 districts; Tobacco control is key for primary prevention!

5.16. PULSE POLIO IMMUNISATION PROGRAMME (PPIP)

Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme was launched in 1995, following the global initiative of eradicating polio in 1988.

Strategies

• • High routine coverage with at least 3 doses of OPV.

• • National Immunisation Days (NIDs) in polio endemic countries.

• • Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance system.

• • Mopping-up immunisation when polio is reduced to focal transmission.

5.17. NATIONAL NUTRITIONAL ANAEMIA PROPHYLAXIS PROGRAMME

The programme was launched in 1970. It was revised and expanded under National Iron Plus Initiative (NIPI) in 2011.

IFA Supplementation Guidelines

• • Pregnant Women: 100mg elemental iron + 0.5mg folic acid daily.

• • Children (6-60 months): 20mg elemental iron + 100mcg folic acid daily.

• • Children (6-10 years): 30mg elemental iron + 250mcg folic acid daily for 100 days.

• • Adolescents (11-18 years): Same as adults; adolescent girls given priority.

5.18. NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMME (NMHP)

NMHP was launched in 1982 to ensure mental health care services for all, especially for the community at risk.

Objectives

• • To provide minimum mental health care for all, especially to those at high risk.

• • To encourage application of mental health knowledge in general healthcare.

• • To encourage community participation in mental health service development.

• • To prevent and treat mental and neurological disorders and associated disabilities.

Dpharmguru’s exam insights:

NMHP is frequently tested. Remember: NMHP launched in 1982; Integrates mental health with primary health care; Focuses on eliminating stigma; Central and State Mental Health Authorities protect patient rights.

5.19. NATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR CONTROL OF BLINDNESS (NPCB)

NPCB was launched as a 100% centrally sponsored program in 1976.

Vision 2020: The Right to Sight

A global initiative to reduce avoidable blindness by 2020. The proposed four-tier structure includes:

• • 20 Centres of Excellence: Professional leadership, strategy development, CME, research.

• • 200 Training Centres: Tertiary eye care, training and CME.

• • 2000 Service Centres: Cataract surgery, refraction, referral services.

• • 20,000 Vision Centres: Refraction, primary eye care, screening and referral.

5.20. NATIONAL FAMILY WELFARE PROGRAMME (NFWP)

National Family Planning Programme was initiated in 1951. In 1977, it was renamed as the National Family Welfare Programme.

Role of Pharmacists in Family Welfare Programme

• • Free distribution of family planning literature.

• • Being counsellors next door.

• • Spreading the message of small-family norm and its benefits.

• • Providing knowledge base on family planning approaches.

• • Assisting clients in making well-informed decisions.

• • Alcohol and tobacco de-addiction.

• • Seminars, exhibitions, consumer awareness programmes.

5.21. INTEGRATED CHILD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES (ICDS)

ICDS was launched on 2nd October, 1975. Beneficiaries are children of 0-6 years, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.

Services Under ICDS

• • Supplementary Nutrition Programme: Supplementary feeding, growth monitoring, vitamin A deficiency prevention, anaemia control.

• • Immunisation: Against 6 vaccine-preventable diseases (poliomyelitis, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, tuberculosis, measles).

• • Health Check-ups: Regular health check-ups, monitoring weight, immunisation, management of malnutrition, treatment of diarrhoea, de-worming.

• • Referral Services: Referral to hospitals for sick or malnourished children.

• • Non-Formal Pre-School Education: For children of 3-6 years at Anganwadi Centres.

• • Nutrition and Health Education: Key element of Anganwadi workers’ work; part of Behaviour Change Communication (BCC).

5.22. MID-DAY MEAL PROGRAMME (MDMP)

Mid-Day Meal Scheme was initiated in 1995 as the National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education (NPNSPE). In 2007, it was renamed as the National Programme of Mid-Day Meal in Schools.

Objectives

• • To protect children from classroom hunger.

• • To increase school admission and attendance.

• • To improve socialisation among children belonging to all castes.

• • To address malnutrition among children.

• • To facilitate social empowerment of women by employment.

5.23. ADOLESCENT HEALTH PROGRAMME

Rashtriya Kishore Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK)

Launched on 7th January, 2014—nation’s first comprehensive adolescent health programme for girls and boys of 10-19 years.

Services Provided:

• • Clinics and counselling.

• • Peer Educator and Adolescent Health Day.

• • Menstrual Hygiene Scheme.

• • IFA supplementation and de-worming facilities.

Kishori Shakti Yojana

Launched in 2000 to empower adolescent girls (11-18 years) belonging to families below the poverty line.

Balika Samridhi Yojana

Launched in 1997 to improve admission and retention of girls in schools. Benefits girls belonging to families below the poverty line born on or after 15th August, 1997.

Benefits: Post-birth grant of ₹500 and annual scholarships from Class I to X (₹300 to ₹1,000).

Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics (AFHCs)

Services include counselling on nutrition, puberty, RTI/STI prevention, contraception, and delaying marriage; curative services for malnutrition, menstrual disorders, mental health, and substance misuse.

5.24. NATIONAL HEALTH PROGRAMME FOR MOTHER AND CHILD

Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)

Launched on 12th April, 2005 to decrease maternal and infant mortality by promoting institutional delivery.

Cash Assistance:

• • Rural Area: ₹1,400 for delivery at Public Health Facility or Accredited Private Hospital.

• • Urban Area: ₹1,000 for delivery at Public Health Facility or Accredited Private Hospital.

• • BPL Home Delivery: ₹500.

Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK)

Launched on 1st June, 2011 to help pregnant women who access Government health facilities for delivery.

Facilities: Free and cashless delivery, free C-section, free drugs and diagnostics, free diet during stay (3 days for normal, 7 days for C-section), free blood, free transport from home to hospital and vice versa.

Dpharmguru’s exam insights:

Maternal health programs are frequently tested. Remember: JSY (2005) provides cash incentives for institutional delivery; JSSK (2011) provides free delivery and transport. Rural: ₹1,400; Urban: ₹1,000; BPL home delivery: ₹500. Both programs aim to reduce maternal and infant mortality!

5.25. PRADHAN MANTRI JAN AROGYA YOJANA (PM-JAY) OR AYUSHMAN BHARAT YOJANA

Ayushman Bharat Yojana is regarded as the largest health insurance programme in the world. It was introduced in September 2018.

Features

• • ₹5 lakh per family per annum for secondary and tertiary care.

• • 50 crore beneficiaries (approx.).

• • Cashless hospitalisation.

• • Pre-hospitalisation (3 days) and post-hospitalisation (15 days) expenses covered.

• • No limitation on family size, gender, or age.

• • Benefits available at any enrolled public and private hospital across India.

• • Covers 1,393 medical procedures.

• • Public hospitals reimbursed equally as private hospitals.

PM-JAY Eligibility Criteria

Rural: Families with single room with mud/straw walls; no male adult (16-59 years); disabled member; SC/ST; no land, only daily manual labour.

Urban: Beggar, domestic worker, ragpicker, street vendor, construction worker, driver, mechanic, etc.

Dpharmguru’s exam insights:

PM-JAY is frequently tested. Remember: ₹5 lakh cover per family; 50 crore beneficiaries; introduced in September 2018; largest health insurance programme in the world; covers 1,393 procedures; no age/gender/family size limit; includes pre and post-hospitalisation expenses!

COMPARISON OF KEY NATIONAL HEALTH PROGRAMS

Program	Year Launched	Key Focus
RNTCP	1997	Tuberculosis (DOTS strategy)
NAMP	2010 (Policy)	Malaria
NLEP	1983	Leprosy Eradication (MDT)
NACP	1987	HIV/AIDS
NPCDCS	2010	NCDs (Cancer, Diabetes, CVD, Stroke)
EPI	1974	Immunisation
ICDS	1975	Child Development (0-6 years)
JSY	2005	Institutional Delivery (Cash Incentive)
PM-JAY	2018	Health Insurance (₹5 lakh per family)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

1. What is the structure of the health system in India?

The health system in India is organised under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, with DGHS, Department of Health, Department of Health Research, NHM, and FSSAI as key components.

2. What is the DOTS strategy under RNTCP?

DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short-course) is the WHO-recommended strategy for TB control. It has 5 components: Political commitment, Good quality diagnosis, Good quality drugs, Directly observed treatment, and Monitoring.

3. What is the National Immunisation Schedule?

The National Immunisation Schedule includes BCG at birth; Pentavalent (DPT+Hep B+Hib) at 6, 10, 14 weeks; MR at 9-12 months; DPT booster at 16-24 months and 5-6 years; TT for pregnant women; and Vitamin A doses up to 5 years.

4. What is the role of pharmacists in National Health Programs?

Pharmacists contribute to nutrition counselling, women welfare, rational drug use, smoking cessation, family planning, individualisation of drug therapy, and implementing programs like RNTCP, NACP, and NDCP.

5. What is PM-JAY?

Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) or Ayushman Bharat Yojana is the largest health insurance programme in the world, providing ₹5 lakh cover per family per year for secondary and tertiary care.

6. What is ICDS?

Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) is a flagship programme launched in 1975 for children of 0-6 years, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. Services include supplementary nutrition, immunisation, health check-ups, referral services, pre-school education, and nutrition/health education.

SUMMARY

The health system in India is organised under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, with various departments and agencies working together to deliver healthcare services. National Health Programs address communicable diseases (TB, Malaria, Leprosy, HIV/AIDS), non-communicable diseases (Cancer, Diabetes, CVD), maternal and child health (JSY, JSSK, ICDS), and health insurance (PM-JAY).

Key programs include RNTCP (DOTS for TB), NLEP (MDT for Leprosy), NACP (HIV/AIDS), NPCDCS (NCDs), EPI (Immunisation), ICDS (Child Development), and PM-JAY (Health Insurance). Pharmacists play a vital role in all these programs through patient education, counselling, medication management, and community engagement.

As I always tell my students: “Pharmacists are the frontline warriors of public health. Understanding National Health Programs is not just about passing exams—it is about being equipped to serve the community and contribute to the nation’s health goals.”

REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING

• • Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. (2022). National Health Programs. Government of India.

• • World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). Health Systems Guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.who.int.

• • Park, K. (2022). Park’s Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine (25th ed.). Banarasidas Bhanot Publishers.

• • National Health Mission (NHM). (2022). Guidelines for National Health Programs. Government of India.

• • International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). (2022). Role of Pharmacists in Public Health. Retrieved from https://www.fip.org.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals for medical concerns.

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