When was the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) launched?

MP CHO -2019 (Shift-2)

Community Health Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: MP CHO -2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) was launched by the Government of India on April 5, 2005.
Its primary objective was to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to the rural population, with a special focus on vulnerable groups.
The mission aimed to reduce the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) by strengthening rural public health systems and promoting community participation.

Option A: This is incorrect. In 2003, a major health initiative was the approval of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, which integrated control efforts for diseases like malaria, dengue, and filaria. NRHM was launched later.
Option B: This is incorrect. In 2004, key health initiatives included the launch of the Vandemataram Scheme for public-private partnership in maternal health and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Project. NRHM was not launched this year.
Option D: This is incorrect. By 2009, NRHM was already well-established and operational for four years. The major public health event of 2009 was the global outbreak of Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1), which required a significant response in India.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Launch and components of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
NRHM created the cadre of ASHA workers, who act as a vital link between the community and the public health system. Nurses often coordinate with and train ASHAs for community outreach, immunization, and maternal-child health services.
The mission led to the strengthening of Sub-Centres, PHCs, and CHCs, which are the primary workplaces for community health nurses and officers (CHOs). This includes better infrastructure, drug supply, and diagnostic facilities.
What if? - If NRHM had not been launched, rural healthcare would likely have remained fragmented with high out-of-pocket expenditure, higher IMR and MMR, and a weaker public health infrastructure, limiting the scope and effectiveness of community nursing.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question about a major national health program.
Identify the key subject of the question: 'National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)'.
Access your knowledge base on the timeline of major health policies and programs in India.
Recognize that NRHM is a landmark program launched in the mid-2000s. Scan the options to find the year that fits this timeframe.
Select the year 2005, which is the correct and widely known launch year for NRHM.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Launch and components of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)
Stem keywords: National Rural Health Mission, NRHM, launched
Lead-in keywords: When

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