The Centre has intensified efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery in tribal and remote regions through targeted interventions under the National Health Mission (NHM), aiming to improve access, infrastructure, and service quality.
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Monday, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav said the Centre is providing both technical and financial support to states and Union Territories to enhance healthcare systems, particularly in tribal-dominated districts.
Relaxed Norms to Improve Access
To boost last-mile healthcare delivery, the government has relaxed key NHM norms for tribal, hilly, and hard-to-reach areas. The population criteria for setting up Sub Health Centres, Primary Health Centres, and Community Health Centres have been reduced, while provisions for deploying frontline workers have been expanded. Each habitation can now have an Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA), improving grassroots outreach.
Additionally, the number of Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) permitted in such areas has been increased. Under NHM, up to four MMUs per district are allowed, while initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan enable up to ten MMUs in districts with Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.
Expansion of Mobile Healthcare Services
Mobile Medical Units continue to play a crucial role in delivering healthcare services to remote and underserved populations. As per official data, a total of 1,453 MMUs are currently operational across the country, including those deployed under NHM and related tribal welfare initiatives.
These units provide essential medical services in difficult terrains where access to fixed health facilities remains limited.
Strengthening Primary Healthcare Network
The government has also significantly expanded primary healthcare infrastructure through the establishment of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs). Of the 1.84 lakh centres operational nationwide, 31,023 are located in 178 tribal districts, offering comprehensive healthcare services ranging from preventive and promotive care to treatment and rehabilitation.
Teleconsultation services available at these centres have further improved access to specialist care. Over 44 crore teleconsultations have been conducted so far, helping bridge gaps caused by geographical and workforce constraints.
Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanisms
The performance of health programmes in tribal areas is regularly monitored through review meetings, field visits, and annual Common Review Missions. These mechanisms ensure effective implementation, accountability, and continuous improvement in service delivery.
