Which committee emphasized strengthening district hospitals to provide specialist services as part of health planning in India?

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-2026 (Shift -2nd)

Explanation

The Mudaliar Committee, also known as the Health Survey and Planning Committee, submitted its report in 1962.
It observed that the progress in health services was not uniform and recommended a period of consolidation rather than further expansion.
A central recommendation was to strengthen district hospitals to function as the main hub for specialist services, serving as referral centers for the Primary Health Centres.

Option A: The Jungalwalla Committee's primary focus was on the integration of all health services under a single administrative framework, including unified cadres and common seniority.
Option B: The Srivastava Committee was concerned with medical education and creating a workforce of community-based health workers to deliver healthcare at the village level.
Option C: The Bhore Committee laid the foundation for the primary health care system in India by recommending the establishment of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and integrating preventive and curative care.

Visual 1: Timeline infographic of major health committees in India, highlighting the year and key recommendation for each.
Visual 2: Flowchart illustrating the referral system envisioned by the Mudaliar Committee, with PHCs referring patients to the specialist services at the strengthened District Hospital.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Health Planning Committees in India as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the historical context of these committees helps nurses comprehend the structure of the Indian healthcare system, from the sub-center to the district hospital.
The roles and responsibilities of various healthcare workers, such as Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) and Multipurpose Health Workers (MPWs), were defined and modified based on the recommendations of these committees.
The concept of a referral system, which is a cornerstone of modern healthcare delivery, was significantly strengthened by the Mudaliar Committee's recommendations, impacting how nurses manage patient transfers for specialized care.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on the history of community health in India.
First, identify the key phrase in the question: 'strengthening district hospitals to provide specialist services'.
Next, mentally review the main contribution of each committee listed in the options.
Associate 'Bhore Committee' with the creation of PHCs and the basic health infrastructure.
Associate 'Mudaliar Committee' with the consolidation of services and strengthening of district hospitals.
Associate 'Jungalwalla Committee' with the integration of health services.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Health Planning Committees in India
Stem keywords: committee, strengthening district hospitals, specialist services, health planning, India
Lead-in keywords: Which
Negative lead-in flag: false

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Practise the full RRB Nsg. Superintendent-2026 (Shift -2nd)

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