Union Health Ministry Conducts National ToT for Primary Healthcare Cadres at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (2026)

National Training of Trainers (NToT) for Primary Healthcare Cadres The NToT was held over two days at the NHSRC in New Delhi. More than 110 national and master trainers from across India participated. The event was inaugurated by Smt. Aradhana Patnaik , Additional Secretary and Mission Director (National Health Mission), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Key Developments Launch of the ITS and cadre‑specific modules for AAM staff. Commitment to cascade the training through more than 100 Regional Training Institutes from August 2026. Emphasis on behavioural competencies, empathy and communication alongside technical skills. Integration of health programmes and inter‑agency convergence to improve service delivery. Important Facts The training covered five cadres delivering Primary Healthcare through AAMs: Medical Officers , Staff Nurses , Community Health Officers (CHOs) , Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) and ASHA s. The programme combined classroom lectures, case‑based discussions and hands‑on practice at the NIHFW Skill Lab. It aimed to standardise capacity‑building, improve patient‑centred care and rebuild public trust in the health system. UPSC Relevance Understanding the ITS helps answer GS‑3 questions on health‑system reforms, skill development and quality of care. The role of AAM aligns with the government's push for universal health coverage, a frequent topic in GS‑3 and GS‑4 (ethics of service delivery). The involvement of multiple ministries and agencies illustrates inter‑sectoral coordination, a key theme in GS‑2 (Polity) and GS‑4 (ethics). Way Forward From August 2026, the cascade model will roll out the training nationwide via the identified Regional Training Institutes. Continuous monitoring and assessment will be needed to ensure that both technical and soft‑skill competencies are retained. Future revisions may incorporate digital learning tools to reach remote cadres. Strengthening the feedback loop between trainers, health workers and policymakers will be essential for sustaining improvements in Primary Healthcare outcomes.