National Rural Health Mission is an initiative undertaken by government of India to address the health needs of under – served rural areas. It was launched on 30 May 2005. The thrust of the mission is on establishing a fully functional community – owned decentralized health delivery system with inter – sectoral convergence at all levels, to ensure simultaneous action on a wide range of determinants of health, such as water, sanitation, education, nutrition, social and gender equality.
The institutional integration within the fragmented health sector was expected to provide a focus on outcomes, measured against Indian Public Health Standard for all health facilities.
The chief objectives of the programme are:
1. To provide health services to rural population, especially to the poor and backward.
2. To decrease mother and infant death rates.
3. To maintain the sex ratio and demographic balance.
