At least 12 health services ranging from preventive to curative to promotive to rehabilitative care will be provided at the 1.5-lakh Health and Wellness Centres that are being set up across the country to bring the healthcare system closer to the homes of people. 

This was stated by J P Nadda, Union Health Minister while chairing the 5th meeting of the Mission Steering Group of the National Health Mission (NHM), here on Tuesday.

The National Health Policy, 2017 has envisioned Health and Wellness Centres as the foundation of India's health system. These centres will provide comprehensive health care, including for non-communicable diseases and maternal and child health services. 

The Budget 2018-2019 has allocated Rs 1200 crore for this flagship programme. Contribution of private sector through CSR and philanthropic institutions in adopting these centres is also envisaged.

Nadda said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of the heightened focus on the aspirational districts also provides us with significant leverage point to address long persisting inequities and development lag in these districts. This will be strengthened through NHM.

Currently, all 36 states/UTs have notified policy to provide essential drugs free of cost in public health facilities. Under NHM Free Diagnostics Service Initiative, substantial funding is provided to States within their resource envelope to provide free essential diagnostic services at public health facilities. The program has been rolled out in 29 states/UTs which are providing free diagnostic Services either in-house or in PPP mode, Nadda added.