The central government has recently published a report titled “Health Dynamics of India: Infrastructure and Human Resources 2022-23”, which provides a detailed analysis of the health infrastructure and workforce across the country. Previously known as “Rural Health Statistics”, this report has been published annually since 1992, offering crucial data on health infrastructure and human resources, updated as of March 31 each year.
The report offers valuable insights into healthcare infrastructure in urban, rural, and tribal areas of India. One of the key highlights is that the country has approximately 32,000 Primary Health Centres (PHCs), with more than 25,000 located in rural areas.
Essential Tool for Policymakers
This report serves as a vital resource for policymakers and stakeholders, providing comprehensive data necessary for decision-making, process improvement, and problem-solving within the National Health Mission. By offering a snapshot of the country’s current healthcare infrastructure, the report helps identify gaps in service and areas in need of improvement.
Key Data from the Report
District Hospitals
As of March 31, 2023, India has a total of 714 district hospitals. Uttar Pradesh leads with 125 hospitals, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 52, and Kerala with 47.
Medical Colleges
The report lists 362 medical colleges across the country. Uttar Pradesh has the highest number with 46 medical colleges, followed by Tamil Nadu with 42 and Rajasthan with 41.
Sub-Centre
India has 1,69,615 Sub-Centres, supported by 2,39,911 health workers (both male and female). Out of these, 1,65,639 sub-centres are located in rural areas, while 3,976 are in urban areas. Uttar Pradesh has the largest number of rural sub-centres at 25,723, while Bihar has the most urban sub-centres at 1,032.
Primary Health Centres (PHCs)
There are 31,882 Primary Health Centres in India, with 25,354 in rural areas and 6,528 in urban areas. These centres are staffed by 40,583 doctors/medical officers and 47,932 nurses.
Community Health Centres (CHCs)
As of March 31, 2023, India has 6,359 Community Health Centres, supported by 26,280 specialists and medical officers, along with 51,059 nursing staff. Rural areas account for 5,491 CHCs, while urban areas have 868.
Sub-Divisional Hospitals
India has 1,340 sub-divisional hospitals, with Tamil Nadu leading at 281, followed by Karnataka at 147, and Madhya Pradesh at 144.
Healthcare in Tribal Areas
The report also highlights healthcare in tribal regions, noting the presence of 28,660 sub-centres, 4,158 Primary Health Centres, and 1,035 Community Health Centres. Over 5,000 doctors are in position at PHCs in tribal areas, and 1,968 AYUSH doctors are serving in these regions as of March 31, 2023.
This comprehensive report will be critical in guiding future investments and policy decisions to strengthen India’s healthcare infrastructure and better meet the needs of its diverse population.
By Kanishk Mishra (DD News)
