Which government initiative focuses on affordable, accessible healthcare services in rural areas?

Correct option is D

Sol. National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) is a government initiative launched in 2005 under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to improve healthcare access in rural areas. It aims to provide affordable, equitable, and quality healthcare services, particularly to vulnerable populations. NRHM strengthens primary healthcare, maternal and child health services, immunization, and disease control programs.
Explanation of each option:
· (a) Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) – Incorrect. This program provides free antenatal check-ups to pregnant women on the 9th of every month but does not exclusively focus on overall rural healthcare.
· (b) National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS) – Incorrect. NHPS, known as Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), is a health insurance scheme providing financial protection for secondary and tertiary healthcare but does not exclusively target rural areas.
· (c) National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) – Incorrect. NUHM is designed to improve healthcare infrastructure in urban areas, focusing on slum dwellers and underprivileged urban populations.
· (d) National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) – Correct answer. NRHM is specifically aimed at enhancing healthcare access in rural areas, addressing challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, shortage of healthcare professionals, and high maternal and child mortality rates.