Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra has officially released the ‘Health Dynamics of India (Infrastructure and Human Resources) 2022-23,’ an annual publication that provides a comprehensive overview of India’s healthcare infrastructure and manpower. Previously known as ‘Rural Health Statistics,’ the document has been published since 1992 and serves as a vital tool for policymakers and stakeholders in the health sector.
Speaking at the release event, Chandra emphasized the importance of the report as a reliable and authentic source of information, particularly for the National Health Mission (NHM). ‘The annual publication is a valuable document furnishing much-needed information on manpower and infrastructure within NHM, helpful in policy making, improving processes, and problem-solving,’ he said. He noted that the report offers a cross-analysis of manpower and infrastructure across states, helping to identify areas where improvements are needed.
The report plays a crucial role in assessing the healthcare needs of various regions, including rural and tribal areas, and aids in the formulation of targeted policies and campaigns. It also facilitates comparisons between states based on different healthcare performance metrics, allowing for better resource allocation and strategy development.
Apurva Chandra also highlighted the importance of integrating the Health Management Information System (HMIS) Portal with other Ministry platforms, such as the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Portal. He stressed that this integration would reduce the workload on health functionaries and ensure timely and accurate data collection and analysis.
Background
First published in 1992, ‘Health Dynamics of India’ has provided annual updates on healthcare infrastructure and human resources, offering detailed data as of March 31 each year. The publication serves as an essential resource for planning, monitoring, and managing health infrastructure across the country. It identifies gaps and needs in healthcare delivery, supporting more equitable distribution of services across rural, urban, and tribal regions.
The report is divided into two parts: Part 1 presents an overall view of India’s healthcare system using visual aids such as maps and charts, while Part 2 delves into specific data on health facilities, manpower, and demographic indicators. This structure allows policymakers and health administrators to assess the adequacy and distribution of healthcare resources and devise targeted strategies for optimizing health service delivery.
By providing a clear and comprehensive snapshot of the country’s healthcare infrastructure and human resources, the publication helps build a more resilient and responsive healthcare system, tailored to the needs of India’s diverse population.
As of March 31, 2023, the country has a total of 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) serving both rural and urban areas.
These healthcare infrastructures are supported by 2,39,911 Health Worker (Male + Female) at SCs, 40,583 Doctors/Medical Officers at PHCs, 26,280 Specialists & 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 across the country.
The publication ‘Health Dynamics of India (Infrastructure and Human Resources) 2022-23′ can be accessed under Documents Section on the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare website by using the link: https://mohfw.gov.in/.
The key features of the publication include:
- Comparative Analysis: Provides comparisons of health infrastructure and manpower between 2005 and 2023, and from 2022 to 2023, highlighting progress and gaps.
- District-Wise Data: Offers district-level details of health facilities, including Sub-Centers (SCs), Primary Health Centers (PHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs), Sub-District Hospitals (SDHs), District Hospitals (DHs), and Medical Colleges.
- Rural, Urban, and Tribal Focus: Details infrastructure and manpower in rural, urban, and tribal areas, providing targeted insights for policy planning.
- Classification of States/UTs: States and Union Territories are categorized based on key healthcare performance metrics, aiding in targeted interventions.
- User-Friendly Highlights: Key findings are summarized at the beginning for quick reference.
- Guidance for Stakeholders: Acts as a crucial tool for healthcare planning and management by identifying gaps and deficiencies in infrastructure and human resources.
