Bihar, a state in eastern India, faces significant health and nutrition challenges. High rates of poverty, malnutrition, and limited access to healthcare persist. However, the state government, in conjunction with the central government, has implemented numerous schemes to combat these issues. This article delves into those initiatives, exploring their aims, implementation, and impact.
Key Challenges:
High Poverty Rate: Poverty remains a significant barrier to accessing nutritious food and healthcare.
Malnutrition: Bihar has one of the highest rates of malnutrition in India, particularly among women and children.
Limited Healthcare Access: Many rural areas lack adequate healthcare infrastructure and personnel.
Maternal and Child Health: Maternal mortality rates and infant mortality rates remain concerns.
Sanitation and Hygiene: Poor sanitation and hygiene practices contribute to the spread of diseases.
Flagship Health and Nutrition Schemes:
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme:
Aims to improve the nutritional and health status of children under 6 years, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
Services include supplementary nutrition, immunization, health check-ups, and pre-school education.
Delivered through a network of Anganwadi centers across the state.
Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP):
A critical component of ICDS, providing supplementary nutrition to combat malnutrition.
Targets children aged 6 months to 6 years, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
Provides Take Home Ration (THR) for severely malnourished children.
National Health Mission (NHM):
Aims to provide universal access to equitable, affordable, and quality healthcare services.
Focuses on strengthening healthcare infrastructure, improving maternal and child health, and combating communicable diseases.
Key initiatives include Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) for free maternal and child healthcare, and Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) for child health screening and early intervention.
Poshan Abhiyaan:
Launched in 2018 to address malnutrition through a multi-sectoral approach.
Focuses on improving maternal nutrition, infant and young child feeding practices, and promoting dietary diversity.
Utilizes technology and community engagement to improve service delivery and behavior change.
Bihar Mukhyamantri Bal Poshak Yojana:
Provides fortified food supplements to children aged 6 months to 3 years.
Aims to prevent micronutrient deficiencies and improve overall nutritional status.
Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana (IGMSY):
Provides conditional cash transfers to pregnant and lactating women to encourage antenatal care and institutional deliveries.
Aims to improve maternal health and reduce maternal mortality rates.
Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY):
Provides health insurance coverage to poor and vulnerable families.
Offers cashless treatment for a range of secondary and tertiary healthcare services.
Aims to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure and improve access to quality healthcare.
Impact of the Schemes:
Reduction in Malnutrition: While malnutrition rates remain high, there has been a gradual decline due to the implementation of these schemes.
Improved Maternal and Child Health: Maternal mortality rates and infant mortality rates have shown improvement.
Increased Healthcare Access: The expansion of healthcare infrastructure and personnel has improved access to healthcare services, particularly in rural areas.
Enhanced Awareness: Awareness campaigns and community engagement have led to increased knowledge about health and nutrition.
Challenges and Future Directions:
Effective Implementation: Ensuring effective implementation of these schemes at the grassroots level remains a challenge.
Convergence and Coordination: Strengthening coordination between various departments and stakeholders is crucial for maximizing impact.
Addressing Social Determinants: Addressing social determinants of health, such as poverty and gender inequality, is essential for sustainable improvements.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are needed to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
BPCS Notes brings Prelims and Mains programs for BPCS Prelims and BPCS Mains Exam preparation. Various Programs initiated by BPCS Notes are as follows:-