In which year was the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) passed in the Indian Parliament?

Appeared in: UP CHO - 10 September 2021

Explanation

The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) was officially launched by the Government of India on April 12, 2005.
The mission's primary goal was to overhaul the rural healthcare delivery system across the country.
A key component was the introduction of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) to serve as a bridge between the community and the health system.
In 2013, NRHM was expanded and subsumed into the National Health Mission (NHM), which includes both rural (NRHM) and urban (NUHM) components.

Option A: The year 2003 predates the launch of the NRHM. Key health initiatives in 2003 included the approval of the Tobacco Products Act and the launch of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme.
Option B: By 2008, the NRHM was already in its mid-term implementation phase, not its launch year. A non-communicable disease program was launched as a pilot project in 2008.
Option D: In 2006, the NRHM was already operational for one year. Key events in 2006 included the nationwide coverage of RNTCP and the launch of IMNCI.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Launch Year of National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The NRHM fundamentally reshaped community health nursing in India by creating new roles (ASHA), strengthening infrastructure (PHCs, CHCs), and increasing accountability.
Nurses are central to implementing NRHM/NHM goals, including maternal and child health services, immunization, and disease control programs.
Understanding the history and structure of national health programs is essential for nurses to effectively navigate the public health system and contribute to policy goals.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is the 'National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)'.
Recognize this as a major national health policy in India, which requires factual recall of its launch year.
Scan the options provided: 2003, 2008, 2005, 2006.
Recall or deduce that major health reforms like NRHM were initiated in the mid-2000s.
Select the year 2005, which corresponds to the historical launch of the mission.
If unsure, try to eliminate other years. 2003 is too early, while 2008 and 2006 are after the launch.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart C (pp 404-604 of 604) p. 133-135

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart B (pp 233-449 of 464) p. 200-202

Practise the full UP CHO - 10 September 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.