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AB-HWCs are the primary healthcare pillar of Ayushman Bharat. Target: convert 1.5 lakh Sub-Centres and PHCs into HWCs by 2022 (extended to 2025). By 2025: 1.73 lakh HWCs functional. Provides 12 packages of comprehensive primary health care including NCD screening, mental health, palliative care.
Target Beneficiaries: 1.4 billion Indians; 1.73 lakh HWCs serving rural and semi-urban population; focus on poor and vulnerable
13441
Funding Ratio (Centre:State): 60:40 for General Category States; 90:10 for NE and Himalayan States; 100% for UTs without legislature
GS Paper: GS2
Syllabus Tags
AB-HWC was launched in 2018 based on the recommendations of the National Health Policy (NHP) 2017. It evolved by upgrading existing Sub-Centres (SCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) which previously provided only selective primary care (maternal and child health). It represents a shift from 'selective' to 'comprehensive' primary health care (CPHC).
A national telemedicine service providing provider-to-provider and patient-to-provider consultations.
Provision of essential medicines and lab tests at no cost to the patient at the HWC level.
Population-based screening for common Non-Communicable Diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and cancers.
Metric
1,73,000+
Source: PIB/Ministry of Health
Metric
25 Crore+
Source: Ministry of Health
Metric
210 Crore+
Source: PIB
AB-HWC is a paradigm shift in India's healthcare delivery, moving from a 'sick-care' model to a 'wellness' model. By expanding the service package from 6 to 12 areas, it addresses the rising burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) which account for over 60% of deaths in India. The introduction of Community Health Officers (CHOs) has successfully decentralized care, reducing the load on overcrowded tertiary hospitals. However, the maturity of the scheme varies significantly across states. While southern states have seamlessly integrated HWCs into their existing robust systems, northern states face infrastructure and staffing bottlenecks. The long-term success depends on the 'referral continuity'—ensuring that a patient screened at an HWC can seamlessly access higher care if needed and return to the HWC for follow-up care.
Which of the following services are included in the 12 packages of CPHC under Ayushman Bharat-HWCs? (1) Mental Health (2) Palliative Care (3) Oral Health (4) Emergency Care.
The Community Health Officer (CHO) is a critical link in the AB-HWC framework. Discuss their role in bridging the rural-urban healthcare divide.
Critically evaluate the role of Health and Wellness Centres in achieving Universal Health Coverage in India.
Consider the following statements: (1) HWCs are only for rural areas. (2) eSanjeevani is integrated with HWCs. (3) Funding is 100% by the Centre for all states.
How does the AB-HWC scheme align with the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 3?
Intro: Ayushman Bharat - Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWC) constitute the first pillar of India's two-pronged strategy to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), focusing on Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) at the grassroots level. Body: The scheme marks a transition from 'selective' care to 'comprehensive' care by including NCDs, mental health, and geriatric care. It utilizes the 'hub-and-spoke' model via eSanjeevani to bring specialist care to villages. It also addresses the 'social determinants of health' through wellness activities like Yoga and community participation via Mahila Arogya Samitis. Conclusion: While AB-HWC has successfully democratized access to primary care, its ultimate success lies in ensuring 'continuum of care' through robust referral linkages with PM-JAY, thereby protecting citizens from the catastrophic health expenditures that push millions into poverty annually.