India’s healthcare system has gradually improved over the past few decades, there are still scope remains to bring it at par with Global Health Standards which have a better healthcare system in terms of accessibility, affordability and quality. An astounding 70 per cent or nearly two-thirds of the population in India still resides in rural areas and has no access or limited access to hospitals or clinics. Around 80 per cent of specialists serve in urban areas. The national norms for a three level rural primary healthcare system consisting of the Sub-Centre, Primary Health Centre and the Community Health Centre had evolved during the Sixth Five Year Plan and as a result, major expansion of rural healthcare infrastructure was seen during the Sixth and the Seventh Plans. The Eighth Plan focused on strengthening existing healthcare infrastructure to better the quality and the outreach services and the Ninth Plan improved upon the availability of primary healthcare facilities. Offering primary healthcare through mobile medical units is an innovative way to reach the rural and the vulnerable population. Read More +