Journal of Advances in Developmental Research
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Volume 16 Issue 1
2025
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Empowering the Rural wellness: Analyzing the Execution and Impact of the National Rural Health Mission on beneficiaries in Rajasthan
| Author(s) | Rohitash Alariya, Prof. Mamta Jain |
|---|---|
| Country | India |
| Abstract | : This study examines the execution and impact of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) on rural wellness among beneficiaries in Rajasthan. Utilizing a sample size of 342 respondents across five districts, the research employs Smart-PLS for data analysis, focusing on key factors such as program awareness, accessibility of services, affordability, and community engagement. Findings indicate that increased program awareness significantly enhances rural wellness (β = 0.462, p < 0.001), while greater accessibility (β = 0.480, p < 0.01) and affordability (β = 0.847, p < 0.001) also contribute positively to health outcomes. Additionally, community engagement is crucial, evidenced by a significant relationship (β = 1.514, p < 0.01). Despite limitations such as convenient sampling and a cross-sectional design, the study provides valuable insights into the factors affecting rural health in Rajasthan. The implications of the findings suggest that enhancing awareness, accessibility, and affordability of healthcare services, alongside fostering community involvement, are essential for improving health outcomes. Future research directions include longitudinal studies and qualitative approaches to deepen understanding of rural health dynamics. Keywords: Rural healthcare, Maternal and Child Health, Healthcare Infrastructure, Healthcare Access, Tribal Regions, Social Sustainability. 1. Introduction Rural wellness encompasses the holistic health and well-being of individuals and communities residing in rural areas, often characterized by limited access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities (Adranyi et al., 2023; Alavion & Taghdisi, 2021; Dadhich & Bhaumik, 2023). Empowering rural wellness involves addressing these gaps through sustainable interventions that enhance physical, mental, and socio-economic health. In India, where the majority of the population lives in rural areas, the need for focused wellness initiatives is paramount. Such efforts include improving healthcare infrastructure, promoting health education, ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, and fostering community resilience. By empowering rural wellness, we improve individual lives and contribute to the sustainable development of rural communities, leading to enhanced productivity and long-term growth (Cheng & Han, 2021). Access to quality healthcare remains a significant challenge in rural areas, where medical facilities are often scarce, and healthcare professionals are limited. Empowering rural wellness involves creating robust healthcare systems that bridge these gaps. This can be achieved through mobile health units, telemedicine services, and the establishing primary health centers equipped with essential resources. Additionally, training local healthcare workers and community health volunteers can ensure that preventive care and health education reach the grassroots level. By prioritizing healthcare access, rural communities can better manage chronic diseases, reduce maternal and child mortality rates, and improve overall health outcomes (Hjort, 2023). Beyond healthcare, empowering rural wellness also requires addressing socio-economic factors that impact health. This includes initiatives to improve education, create economic opportunities, and enhance living conditions. Educational programs can increase nutrition, hygiene, and disease prevention awareness, while vocational training and entrepreneurship support can generate income and reduce poverty. Investments in infrastructure, such as clean drinking water and sanitation facilities, directly impact health by preventing waterborne diseases and improving quality of life. By integrating health and socio-economic strategies, we can foster sustainable rural development and create a more equitable society where all individuals can thrive. The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), launched in 2005, aims to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes in rural India. In Rajasthan, the execution of NRHM involves a multifaceted approach to address regional healthcare challenges. Key components include the establishment of Primary Health Centers (PHCs), deploying Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), and integrating various health programs. Analyzing the execution of NRHM in Rajasthan requires examining the operational effectiveness of these initiatives, the adequacy of resources and infrastructure, and the coordination between state and local authorities. Evaluating the deployment of healthcare personnel, the availability of essential medicines, and the implementation of health campaigns helps gauge the program’s reach and efficiency (Dadhich et al., 2024). The impact of NRHM on rural beneficiaries in Rajasthan can be assessed through various metrics, including improvements in health indicators, access to healthcare services, and community satisfaction. Key outcomes to consider include reductions in maternal and child mortality rates, immunization coverage increases, and disease management improvements. Surveys and field studies can provide insights into how effectively the NRHM has met the needs of rural populations, including access to antenatal and postnatal care, the availability of essential treatments, and the overall quality of healthcare services. Understanding these impacts helps identify strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring that the mission continues to evolve to serve the rural population better (Anurag Shukla, Manish Dadhich, Dipesh Vaya, 2024). Despite the achievements of the NRHM, challenges remain in ensuring equitable healthcare delivery across all regions of Rajasthan. Issues such as geographic disparities, inadequate infrastructure, and limited financial resources can hinder the mission’s effectiveness. Addressing these challenges involves strengthening supply chains, enhancing training programs for healthcare workers, and increasing community engagement in health initiatives. Future directions may include leveraging technology to improve service delivery, expanding partnerships with non-governmental organizations, and advocating for increased funding and policy support. By tackling these challenges and exploring innovative solutions, the NRHM can enhance its impact on rural wellness and contribute to the overall health and development of Rajasthan’s rural communities. 2. National Rural Health Programs in Rajasthan Recent National Rural Health programs in Rajasthan align with broader national healthcare initiatives to improve access to quality healthcare for rural populations. Some of the key recent programs are included in the following table: Table 1: Summary of National Rural Health Programs in Rajasthan Program Description Target Group Impact in Rajasthan Sources Ayushman Bharat - PM-JAY Provides health coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary healthcare services under insurance. Vulnerable rural families Expanded access to healthcare services for rural populations with financial protection. (MoHFW, 2023) Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) Offers free services to pregnant women, including deliveries, caesarean sections, medications, and transportation. Pregnant women and newborns Increased institutional deliveries and reduction in maternal and infant mortality in rural Rajasthan. (NHM, 2023) Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) Aims at early identification and treatment of children’s health conditions like diseases, disabilities, and developmental delays. Children aged 0-18 years in rural areas Improved access to healthcare for children with early diagnosis and treatment. (MoHFW, 2022) National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) Aims to eliminate tuberculosis in India by 2025 with free diagnosis, treatment, and patient support. TB patients in rural Rajasthan Enhanced detection and treatment of TB cases in remote and rural areas. (MoHFW, 2023) Kayakalp Program Promotes cleanliness, hygiene, and infection control in healthcare facilities. Public healthcare facilities in rural areas Improved cleanliness and hygiene standards in rural healthcare facilities in Rajasthan. (NHM, 2022) Rajasthan Mukhyamantri Nishulk Dava Yojana Provides free essential medicines to the rural population in government healthcare facilities. Rural population Reduced out-of-pocket expenses for medicines among rural populations. (Government of Rajasthan, 2023) Mukhyamantri Chiranjeevi Health Insurance Scheme Offers cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh per family annually for beneficiaries, reducing financial healthcare burdens. Rural and economically vulnerable families Enhanced access to healthcare with significant financial protection. (Government of Rajasthan, 2023) National Mobile Medical Units (MMU) Mobile health units offering basic health services, diagnostics, and referrals to remote populations. Remote rural populations Ensured primary healthcare access and diagnostics in rural and underserved areas. (NHM, 2023) Anemia Mukt Bharat Aims to reduce anemia prevalence through nutritional supplements, regular health check-ups, and awareness programs. Women, children, and adolescents in rural areas Targeted reduction in anemia among women and children through nutritional interventions. (MoHFW, 2022) Source: Compiled by authors The significance of the above health programs in Rajasthan lies in their ability to bridge crucial gaps in healthcare accessibility, affordability, and quality in rural areas. By offering financial protection, these initiatives ensure that economically vulnerable families can access necessary medical services without the burden of high costs. Programs focused on maternal, child, and adolescent health significantly lower mortality rates and promote healthier future generations. Targeted efforts to address widespread health issues such as infectious diseases and nutritional deficiencies are critical for improving overall public health outcomes. 3. Review of Literature (Agarwal, Bhatnagar, and Tripathi, 2022) conducted an in-depth analysis of the role of decentralization in the execution of the NRHM in Rajasthan, focusing on the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in managing healthcare at the village level. Their study found that PRIs played a crucial role in improving healthcare delivery by integrating local governance structures into health management. This collaboration has made healthcare services more accessible and community-centric. However, they highlighted the need for enhanced capacity-building efforts for local governance representatives to effectively manage health resources. (Bhandari and Dutta, 2021) reviewed the overall impact of the NRHM in India, specifically focusing on its decentralized approach to rural healthcare. Their research indicated that Rajasthan benefited from this decentralization, which enabled local stakeholders to identify specific healthcare needs and implement tailored solutions. They also pointed out that despite infrastructural improvements, the quality of services remains inconsistent, especially in the more remote regions of Rajasthan. Their findings suggest that while the NRHM has laid a solid foundation, continuous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are critical for sustainable progress. (Chaudhary, 2022) explored the social determinants of healthcare access in tribal and backward regions of Rajasthan, focusing on the execution of NRHM initiatives. The study found that while the NRHM had expanded healthcare services in these regions, social determinants like poverty, illiteracy, and gender inequality limited the full realization of health benefits. Chaudhary emphasized that targeted interventions addressing these social barriers are essential for the NRHM to achieve its objective of equitable healthcare access for marginalized communities in Rajasthan. (Jain and Saini, 2020) provided a comprehensive analysis of the development of healthcare infrastructure under the NRHM in Rajasthan. Their study identified that while considerable investments were made in upgrading Sub-Centres (SCs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs), and Community Health Centres (CHCs), a persistent shortage of qualified healthcare personnel continues to undermine the effective utilization of these facilities. Their research also showed that the lack of specialist doctors and technical staff has led to over-reliance on basic health services, reducing the potential impact of these upgraded infrastructures on improving rural health outcomes. |
| Keywords | Rural healthcare, Maternal and Child Health, Healthcare Infrastructure, Healthcare Access, Tribal Regions, Social Sustainability |
| Field | Business Administration |
| Published In | Volume 16, Issue 1, January-June 2025 |
| Published On | 2025-03-12 |
| Cite This | Empowering the Rural wellness: Analyzing the Execution and Impact of the National Rural Health Mission on beneficiaries in Rajasthan - Rohitash Alariya, Prof. Mamta Jain - IJAIDR Volume 16, Issue 1, January-June 2025. |
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