A key feature of this year’s report is its comparative analysis, which evaluates changes in health infrastructure and manpower from 2005 to 2023, and more specifically from 2022 to 2023. This comparative data sheds light on both progress and existing gaps within the healthcare system.
Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra today released the “Health Dynamics of India (Infrastructure and Human Resources) 2022-23,” a comprehensive annual report formerly known as “Rural Health Statistics.” This publication, which has been a cornerstone of health sector data since 1992, offers critical insights into the state of healthcare infrastructure and human resources across India.
In his address, Chandra emphasized the significance of the report in shaping health policy and improving processes. “The annual publication is a valuable document furnishing much-needed information on manpower and infrastructure within the National Health Mission (NHM),” he stated. “It is instrumental in policy-making, enhancing processes, and problem-solving.” He highlighted the report’s role in providing a cross-state analysis of healthcare availability and deficiencies, which is crucial for understanding state-specific needs, prioritizing areas of intervention, and formulating targeted health policies and campaigns.
The report is divided into two main sections: the first provides an overarching view of India’s healthcare system, including State and Union Territory profiles through maps and charts. The second section, which is more detailed, spans nine areas focusing on health facilities, manpower, and demographic indicators. This structure allows for a comprehensive examination of both the broader and more granular aspects of healthcare infrastructure and human resources.
According to the latest data as of March 31, 2023, India’s healthcare infrastructure includes 1,69,615 Sub-Centres (SCs), 31,882 Primary Health Centres (PHCs), 6,359 Community Health Centres (CHCs), 1,340 Sub-Divisional/District Hospitals (SDHs), 714 District Hospitals (DHs), and 362 Medical Colleges (MCs). This extensive network is supported by a considerable workforce, comprising 2,39,911 health workers at SCs, 40,583 doctors and medical officers at PHCs, 26,280 specialists and medical officers at CHCs, and 45,027 doctors and specialists at SDHs and DHs. Additionally, there are 47,932 staff nurses at PHCs, 51,059 nursing staff at CHCs, and 1,35,793 paramedical staff at SDHs and DHs.
Resource for stakeholders
A key feature of this year’s report is its comparative analysis, which evaluates changes in health infrastructure and manpower from 2005 to 2023, and more specifically from 2022 to 2023. This comparative data sheds light on both progress and existing gaps within the healthcare system. The report also provides district-wise details and focuses on the disparities in healthcare infrastructure and manpower across rural, urban, and tribal areas, thereby aiding in targeted policy planning and resource allocation.
Union Health Secretary Chandra also underscored the need for integrating the Health Management Information System (HMIS) Portal with the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) and other ministry portals. He pointed out that such integration would help alleviate the workload of health functionaries and ensure timely data uploads and meticulous analysis.
Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Mission Director (NHM), along with senior officials from the Union Health Ministry, were present at the launch event. The publication serves as a crucial resource for stakeholders in the healthcare sector, offering insights essential for effective planning, monitoring, and management of health services.
The “Health Dynamics of India (Infrastructure and Human Resources) 2022-23” is available for access on the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare website. The document is designed to guide policymakers, health administrators, and planners in optimizing health service delivery and addressing infrastructure needs across the country.
For further details, the report can be accessed directly through the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare’s documents section: https://mohfw.gov.in/.
