NITI Aayog member Dr. VK Paul has highlighted the significant public healthcare initiatives under the Prime Minister Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM). He emphasized that this mission is making major investments to enhance primary and secondary healthcare across India.
Dr. Paul stated, “PM-ABHIM is an infrastructure project worth ₹64,000 crore, and unprecedented work is being done.” He mentioned that every block in the country will have new Public Health Units and laboratories. In 600 districts, Integrated Public Health Units are being planned. The National Centre for Disease Control will expand with 30 branches nationwide, and the National Institute of Virology will establish regional centers. Additionally, three more BSL-4 labs will be set up to strengthen disease research.
He also announced that 30,000 critical care beds will be created to bolster secondary healthcare. “Critical care hospital blocks are being established in all District Hospitals and Central Health institutions,” Dr. Paul added.
To prepare for future pandemics, the National Institute of One Health is being created. The “One Health” concept integrates different sectors to address health, productivity, and conservation challenges, which is crucial for India.
The Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) has approved the establishment of a National One Health Mission. This mission will coordinate and support existing One Health activities and address any gaps.
Launched with an outlay of ₹64,180 crore, PM-ABHIM aims to develop the capacities of health systems at all levels—primary, secondary, and tertiary. The mission focuses on preparing health systems to respond effectively to current and future pandemics and disasters.
