Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra on Monday highlighted the potential of integrating the Health Management Information System (HMIS) with the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) and other health portals to enhance data efficiency.

He was sharing his views during the release of the annual report ‘Health Dynamics of India (Infrastructure and Human Resources) 2022-23’, previously known as ‘Rural Health Statistics’.

“The annual publication is a valuable document furnishing much-needed information on manpower and infrastructure within the National Health Mission, helpful in policy-making, improving processes and problem-solving,” said the Health Secretary.

“Need to integrate the HMIS Portal with RCH and other portals of the Ministry to reduce the burden of work of health functionaries and to ensure that the data are uploaded timely and analysed carefully,” he added.

Chandra said that the document gives a cross-analysis across the states on the availability and deficiencies in manpower and infrastructure.

The report released at the event showed that as of March 31, 2023, As of March 31, 2023, the country has a total of 1,69,615 Sub-Centres (SCs), 31,882 Primary Health Centres (PHCs), 6,359 Community Health Centres (CHCs), 1,340 Sub-Divisional/District Hospitals (SDHs), 714 District Hospitals (DHs), and 362 Medical Colleges (MCs) serving both rural and urban areas.

These healthcare infrastructures are supported by 2,39,911 health worker (male and female) at SCs, 40,583 doctors/medical officers at PHCs, 26,280 specialists and medical officers at CHCs, and 45,027 doctors and specialists at SDHs and DHs.

Additionally, there are 47,932 staff nurses at PHCs, 51,059 nursing staff at CHCs, and 1,35,793 paramedical staff at SDHs and DHs across the country, according to the report.

“This data is crucial for the stakeholders in the health sector as it supports effective planning, monitoring and management of the health infrastructure across the country,” said Chandra.

By providing a clear snapshot of the current state of healthcare infrastructure and human resources, the publication serves as a foundational tool for identifying gaps and addressing needs in various areas, including in rural, urban and tribal regions, he added.