The Multipurpose Health Workers Scheme in India was initiated following the recommendation of - - UPPSC 2023

UPPSC 2023

Community Health Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: UPPSC 2023

Explanation

The Kartar Singh Committee, appointed in 1972 and reporting in 1973, was specifically tasked with studying the feasibility of multipurpose workers.
Its main recommendation was to replace various unipurpose (single-function) health workers with a unified cadre of Multipurpose Health Workers (MPHWs).
It proposed redesignating Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) as Female Health Workers (FHW) and Basic Health Workers/Vaccinators as Male Health Workers (MHW).
This scheme aimed to deliver integrated health and family planning services at the peripheral level, forming the basis of the current sub-centre structure.

Option A: The Mudaliar Committee (1962), also known as the Health Survey and Planning Committee, focused on assessing the progress since the Bhore Committee and recommended strengthening the existing health infrastructure, particularly district hospitals and PHCs. It did not propose the MPHW scheme.
Option B: The Chadha Committee (1963) recommended appointing Basic Health Workers (BHWs) for malaria vigilance during the maintenance phase of the National Malaria Eradication Program. While it envisaged these workers taking on some other tasks, it did not propose the comprehensive, integrated MPHW scheme that the Kartar Singh Committee did.
Option D: The Bhore Committee (1946) was a foundational committee that laid the blueprint for India's public health system. It recommended the integration of preventive and curative services and the creation of Primary Health Centres (PHCs). However, it predates the concept of Multipurpose Health Workers.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Health Committees in India and their Recommendations as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the history of health committees is crucial for community health nurses as it explains the evolution and structure of the current rural and urban health delivery system in India.
The MPHW (Female), now commonly known as the Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM), is the cornerstone of primary healthcare at the sub-centre level, responsible for maternal and child health, immunizations, and family planning services.
What if? If the question had asked about the 'Village Health Guide' (VHG) scheme, the correct answer would have been the Srivastava Committee (1975), which recommended creating a cadre of community-based health volunteers.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on the history of public health in India.
First, identify the key phrase in the question: 'Multipurpose Health Workers Scheme'.
Next, recall or systematically review the main recommendation of each committee listed in the options.
The Bhore Committee (1946) is the oldest and foundational (PHCs).
The Mudaliar Committee (1962) focused on strengthening existing infrastructure.
The Chadha Committee (1963) is strongly associated with malaria control (BHWs).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health NursingShyamala D part 1 (pp 26-389 of 389) pp. 70-72, 71-73, 49-51