Best Health Practices

Followed in India 
Major Health
Challenges in India
• Communicable Diseases
• Non-Communicable Diseases
• Maternal and Child Health
• Sanitation and Hygiene
• Mental Health
Communicable
Diseases
• Malaria
•  Lymphatic Filariasis
•  Kala-azar
• Japanese Encephalitis
• Dengue
 Measure Description

Village-based community volunteers, called Drug

Distribution Centers (DDCs) and Fever Treatment
Depots (FTDs), are utilized for early case detection
Early Case Detection and Treatment
and treatment. Male health workers visit every village
fortnightly to screen fever cases and make blood
smear slides.

Integrated vector management involves indoor

residual spraying in high-risk areas, promoting the use
Integrated Vector Management of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITBNs), and using
biological vector control measures.

Capacity building of personnel and inter-sectoral

partner organizations, and Information, Education,
Capacity Building and IEC Activities and Communication (IEC) activities are conducted to

In Rural Areas
enhance awareness among target communities and
health care service providers.

Epidemic preparedness and response for malaria

control involves the establishment of rapid response
Epidemic Preparedness and Response
teams in every district to undertake prompt remedial
measures in the event of an outbreak.

The program is monitored and evaluated using a

Monitoring and Evaluation computerized management information system for
effective utilization.
In Urban Areas
Measures to prevent mosquito breeding Description
Regulations to prevent mosquito breeding in various
Implementation of urban byelaws areas such as residential blocks, government and
commercial buildings, and construction sites
Use of fish in slow-moving water bodies and larvicides
Use of larvivorous fish and larvicides in unsuitable water bodies to control mosquito
breeding
Awareness campaigns undertaken by Municipal
Awareness campaigns Bodies/Urban Area Authorities to educate people
about measures to prevent mosquito breeding
Insufficient infrastructure for active surveillance
Lack of infrastructure for active surveillance activities such as house-to-house visits on a fortnightly
basis to identify and prevent mosquito breeding sites
 Non-Communicable Diseases(NCDs)

Initiatives Description

These stakeholders are engaged in raising awareness and education about NCDs, and
Involvement of community, civil society, CBOs, and media
promoting healthy lifestyles in the community.

Screening for NCDs like diabetes, hypertension, and common cancers is conducted at
Opportunistic screening through outreach camps all levels of the healthcare system.

Management of chronic non-communicable diseases Early diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up for NCDs is done through the establishment
of specialized clinics for cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke.

Healthcare professionals are trained to prevent, diagnose, and treat NCDs.

Capacity building for prevention and treatment of NCDs Operational research and rehabilitation programs are also developed at various levels
of healthcare.

Access to affordable diagnosis and treatment of NCDs is facilitated at primary,

Support for cost-effective treatment of NCDs secondary, and tertiary levels of healthcare. The development of a database for NCDs
through a robust surveillance system is also supported to monitor NCD morbidity,
mortality, and risk factors.
Maternal and Child Health
Initiative Name Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana
Date of Implementation January 2017
Beneficiaries Pregnant women and lactating mothers
Cash Benefits ₹5,000
First: ₹1,000 on early registration of pregnancy
Second: ₹2,000 after completion of six months of
Instalment Details pregnancy and at least one antenatal check-up
(ANC)Final: ₹2,000 after childbirth and receiving first
cycle of immunization
Objective Provide partial compensation for wage loss and
improve health-seeking behavior of ANC mothers
Scheme Name Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)
Reduce maternal and infant deaths by promoting institutional
Objective delivery

Launch Year 2005

Pregnant women giving birth in government or accredited

Eligibility Criteria private health facility

Benefits Provided Cash assistance based on location for poor pregnant women
Initiative Name: Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK)
Date of Launch: 2011
Objective: Provide free facilities to pregnant women giving birth in government health facilities
Benefits:
- Cashless delivery services
- Free caesarean section
- Free treatment of sick newborns
- Free medicines and consumables
- Free diagnostic tests
- Free diet during indoor stay
- Free blood transfusion

- Free pick-up and drop-off services

Program Name DAKSHATA
To strengthen intra-partum and immediate
Objective postpartum care by enhancing competency of
healthcare providers.
- Improving availability of essential supplies and
commodities in the labor room.
- Enhancing accountability of service providers.
- Creating a dashboard of key indicators to record
data. 
Key Features
- 3-day training program for healthcare providers.
- Training provided by designated trainers.  
- Skill practice using a checklist and Observed 
 Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) to assess   
 learning.
Sanitation and Hygiene Phase Objective
• The framework focuses on sanitation and
hygiene advocacy and communication Raise awareness of the importance of good
strategies.
1 sanitation and hygiene behaviors and build
• The three phases are designed to work
together towards achieving the overall goal public support for positive change
of promoting good sanitation and hygiene
practices.
• The first phase aims to create an enabling
environment for change by raising
Equip influencers and decision-makers with
awareness and building public support. 2 the necessary information and encourage
• The second phase targets influencers and them to act for positive change
decision-makers to encourage them to
support positive change.
• The third phase aims to empower
individuals and families with the correct
Empower individuals and families with
information to make informed decisions 3 correct information and motivate
and motivate communities to create communities to create positive social norms
positive social norms.
 Prevalence
Mental Health Mental Disorder (%)
Total prevalence in 12 states 10.6
Mental morbidity is more
common in urban areas, and Depression (past episode) 2.5
mental disorders are linked to
non-communicable diseases
(NCDs) both as a cause and a Depression (current) 5
consequence. Major
depressive disorders affect 50%
of people's daily activities. Neurosis and stress-related
3.5
disorders

High risk of suicide 0.9

 Initiative Description Availability
Staffed by mental health Available to the affected
24/7 Helpline professionals to provide population
psychosocial support

Issued for managing mental

health issues tailored to Available on Ministry of
Guidelines and advisories Health and Family Welfare
different segments of website
The Indian government has taken society
proactive steps to address the
mental health impact of COVID-19
by providing 24/7 helplines, issuing Promote stress and anxiety Conducted through various
guidelines and advisories, Advocacy campaigns management and encourage media platforms
conducting advocacy campaigns, a supportive environment
and providing online capacity
building for health workers. These Issued by NIMHANS for Available on Ministry of
resources are readily available to the Detailed guidelines managing mental health Health and Family Welfare
affected population, different during the pandemic website
segments of society, and health
workers to help manage stress and Provided by NIMHANS for
anxiety during the pandemic. Online capacity building health workers through Available to health workers
iGOT-Diksha platform
 Budget Allocation Funds Provided to
Initiative/Program (2018-19) Each District
Central Mental Rs. 599.76 crore N/A
Health Institutions

The DMHP provides funds to National Mental Up to Rs. 4 lakh per

each district to provide Health Programme Rs. 545.65 crore annum for IEC
training to class teachers to (NMHP)
activities in each
identify and manage mental district
health issues in students,
and to involve other Up to Rs. 12 lakh
stakeholders for the District Mental per annum for
betterment of adolescent Health Programme N/A targeted
development. (DMHP) interventions in
each district
Health Best
Practices
followed in
Other
Countries
 Measure​ Description​
Under Centennial Care 2.0, coverage of health
Expanded Coverage​ services has been expanded, with a particular
Mexico focus on rural and marginalized populations.​

Increased funding for primary care services has

Centennial Care 2.0 is a healthcare reform
Funding for Primary Care​ been provided, with emphasis on preventive care
initiative launched by the government of Mexico to reduce the burden of chronic diseases.​
in 2018, aimed at improving access to and
quality of healthcare services for the country's
population. The National Health Institutes (INSA) and Regional
Health Institutes (IRS) have been created to
The initiative builds on the earlier Centennial Creation of National and Regional Health improve the efficiency and coordination of
Care program and seeks to address some of the Institutes​
challenges faced by the Mexican healthcare healthcare services at the national and
system, such as inequitable access, insufficient regional levels.​
resources, and fragmentation of services.
The initiative has led to an increase in the A new payment system for healthcare services has
number of people covered by health insurance been implemented, moving away from a fee-for-
and has helped to reduce health disparities
between different regions of the country. service model to a capitation-based payment
New Payment System​ system, which incentivizes healthcare providers to
deliver preventive care and better manage
chronic diseases.​
Measure Description
Under Centennial Care 2.0, coverage of health services has been
Expanded Coverage expanded, with a particular focus on rural and marginalized
populations.

Increased funding for primary care services has been provided,

Funding for Primary Care with emphasis on preventive care to reduce the burden of
chronic diseases.

The National Health Institutes (INSA) and Regional Health

Institutes (IRS) have been created to improve the efficiency and
Creation of National and Regional Health Institutes
coordination of healthcare services at the national and regional
levels.

A new payment system for healthcare services has been

implemented, moving away from a fee-for-service model to a
New Payment System capitation-based payment system, which incentivizes healthcare
providers to deliver preventive care and better manage chronic
diseases.
 Uneven distribution of healthcare
Key Challenge resources in Vietnam

Vietnam Issue
Higher-level hospitals are overburdened,
while lower-level facilities lack necessary
resources and expertise

The policies implemented by the Promote transfer of technical skills and

Ministry of Health aim to Ministry of Health's Policy expertise from higher-level hospitals to
address the healthcare resource those at the district and commune levels
disparities in Vietnam by
promoting the transfer of
knowledge and expertise from Established by the Ministry to provide
higher-level facilities to those at Network of "training hospitals" technical training to healthcare workers
the district and commune levels. at lower-level facilities
This includes the establishment
of a network of "training Created by the Ministry to encourage
hospitals" and programs to experienced doctors and nurses to work
encourage experienced Programs at lower-level facilities and provide
healthcare workers to work at mentorship and training to their
lower-level facilities and provide colleagues
mentorship and training.
 Malaysia
Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC)
Overview
The MHTC is an agency of the Malaysian government aimed at promoting medical tourism in Malaysia.

MHTC helps people find the best healthcare providers and hospitals in Malaysia and provides travel arrangements and logistics.

The agency works with the Malaysian healthcare industry to ensure high-quality care for patients.
The MHTC promotes Malaysia as a leading destination for medical tourism.
Investment in Medical Infrastructure

Malaysia has invested heavily in medical infrastructure, including new hospitals, refurbishment of existing ones, and installation of state-of-the-art medical
equipment.

These investments have attracted medical tourism to the country and improved access to quality healthcare services for Malaysians.

Training of Medical Professionals

The Malaysian government has prioritized the training of medical professionals, emphasizing continuous education and professional development.

This has resulted in a well-trained pool of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals providing excellent care to patients.
Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC)
Overview
The MHTC is an agency of the Malaysian government aimed at promoting medical tourism in Malaysia.

MHTC helps people find the best healthcare providers and hospitals in Malaysia and provides travel arrangements and logistics.

The agency works with the Malaysian healthcare industry to ensure high-quality care for patients.
The MHTC promotes Malaysia as a leading destination for medical tourism.
Investment in Medical Infrastructure
Malaysia has invested heavily in medical infrastructure, including new hospitals, refurbishment of existing ones, and installation of
state-of-the-art medical equipment.
These investments have attracted medical tourism to the country and improved access to quality healthcare services for
Malaysians.
Training of Medical Professionals
The Malaysian government has prioritized the training of medical professionals, emphasizing continuous education and
professional development.

This has resulted in a well-trained pool of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals providing excellent care to patients.
Singapore
Singapore's healthcare system is known for its efficient Key Points
and high-quality care. The government heavily
Singapore's healthcare system is financed through a mix of public
subsidizes public healthcare to ensure that citizens and and private funding.
permanent residents have access to affordable services.
Primary care plays a significant role in the system, with Primary care is provided through a network of polyclinics and
general practitioners.
the use of polyclinics and general practitioners as the
first point of contact for patients. The country also
Public hospitals have high standards of care and are heavily
prioritizes research and innovation in healthcare, with subsidized by the government to keep healthcare affordable.
world-class research institutes and medical centers.
Singapore's use of technology and innovation has also The Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) offers subsidized
led to the development of innovative solutions in areas care for chronic disease management.
like telemedicine, digital health, and AI. Singapore prioritizes research and innovation in healthcare.

Medisave, a national healthcare savings scheme, is mandated for

individuals to ensure they have sufficient financial resources for
healthcare needs.

Insurance schemes like Medishield Life provide coverage for

catastrophic medical expenses.

Startups in Singapore are developing innovative solutions in

telemedicine, digital health, and AI.
 Thematic Pillars Description

Health Financing Mobilizing sufficient resources for healthcare

Pakistan Health Service Delivery

Ensuring access to high-quality essential
health services

Developing and strengthening the healthcare

It's important to note that the Human Resource for Health workforce
National Health Vision 2016-2025
includes specific targets and Health Information Systems Improving health data collection, analysis,
strategies to achieve each thematic and use
pillar. The initiative also aims to
address specific health challenges Governance Enhancing governance, leadership, and
faced by Pakistan, such as high rates management of healthcare
of maternal and child mortality,
inadequate healthcare infrastructure Essential Medicines & Technology Ensuring access to essential medicines and
in rural areas, and limited access to medical technologies
healthcare services for marginalized
communities. Cross-sectoral linkages Strengthening linkages between health and
other sectors

Meeting global health obligations and

Global Health Responsibilities
achieving SDGs
Other Health Initiatives led by the Pakistani Government

Initiative Date of Establishment Role and Impact

Provides free routine immunization to protect
children against vaccine-preventable diseases.
Expanded Programme on Immunization 1978 The program has contributed to a significant
(EPI)
reduction in child morbidity and mortality rates in
Pakistan.

Employs and trains female health workers to

provide basic health services to women and
children in rural and urban slum areas. The
Lady Health Worker Program (LHWP) 1994
program has improved access to health services
and knowledge among women and contributed to
a reduction in maternal and child mortality rates.

Provides free healthcare services to families living

below the poverty line. The program covers major
illnesses, surgeries, and hospitalization. The
Health Cards 2015
initiative has helped in reducing out-of-pocket
expenses for healthcare and improving access to
medical services for the marginalized population.
Initiative Date of Establishment Role and Impact

Aims to provide health insurance coverage to

the poor and vulnerable population. The
program covers major diseases and
Sehat Sahulat Program 2016 procedures, including surgeries, and has
increased access to healthcare services and
reduced financial burden for low-income
households.

Aims to enhance the capacity of the country's

public health system to prevent, detect, and
respond to public health emergencies and
National Action Plan for Health Security 2017 disease outbreaks. The initiative has
(NAPHS) strengthened the coordination and response
mechanisms in the country to deal with
potential health threats.

Aims to improve maternal health outcomes

by promoting safe and healthy pregnancy and
childbirth practices, improving access to
quality maternal and neonatal health
Safe Motherhood Initiative 2001 services, and addressing underlying social
determinants of maternal health. The
initiative has contributed to a reduction in
maternal mortality rates and improved
maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
Initiative Date of Establishment Role and Impact
Aims to reduce tobacco consumption and
its associated health risks through
comprehensive tobacco control policies and
interventions, including tobacco taxation,
Tobacco Control Program 2004 smoke-free policies, and anti-tobacco
messaging. The initiative has contributed to
reducing the prevalence of tobacco use and
increasing public awareness of the health
risks of tobacco consumption.
Aims to improve access to and quality of
mental health services, promote mental
health and well-being, and reduce the stigma
Mental Health Program 2000 associated with mental illness. The initiative
has increased the availability of mental
health services and improved mental health
outcomes among the population.
Aims to address the issue of malnutrition in
the country through a multi-sectoral
approach that includes nutrition-specific and
nutrition-sensitive interventions. The
National Nutrition Action Plan 2011
initiative has contributed to reducing
malnutrition rates among children and
improving the overall nutritional status of
the population.
 Health Initiatives and Best Date of
Practices Establishment Roles and Impacts
Provides primary health care
services to the rural population
Community-based Health through trained community health
1998 workers. Has been successful in
Care (CBHC) program
improving access to healthcare
services and reducing child and
maternal mortality rates.
Aims to improve health outcomes,
including maternal and child health,
Health, Nutrition and nutrition, and family planning.
Population Sector Program 1998
Contributed to a significant
(HNPSP) reduction in infant and maternal
mortality rates in the country.
Provides routine immunization
services to children to protect them

Bangladesh National Immunization

Program
1979
against vaccine-preventable
diseases. Contributed to a significant
reduction in child morbidity and
mortality rates in Bangladesh.

Aims to improve maternal and

reproductive health outcomes
through a range of interventions,
Safe Motherhood and including maternal health services,
Reproductive Health Program 2001 family planning, and adolescent
health services. Contributed to a
reduction in maternal and neonatal
mortality rates in the country.
 Date of
Health Initiatives and Best Practices Establishment Roles and Impacts

Aims to address the issue of malnutrition in the country through a multi-

Nutrition Program 2011 sectoral approach that includes nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive
interventions. Contributed to reducing malnutrition rates among children
and improving the overall nutritional status of the population.

Implemented several digital health initiatives to improve access to health

Digital Health Services Ongoing services, including the Telemedicine Project, which connects patients in rural
areas with doctors through teleconferencing, and the mHealth program,
which provides health information and services through mobile phones.

Aims to establish community clinics in every union in the country to provide

Community Clinic Program 2011 basic health services to the rural population. Contributed to improving access
to health services in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
 Organization Year of Areas of
Name Establishment Operation Major Projects and Impacts

Supported vaccine
Health, development, maternal and
Bill & Melinda child health, tuberculosis
Gates 2003 Education, control. Has helped reduce the
Foundation Poverty burden of diseases like polio,
Reduction
measles, and pneumonia in
Major NGOs and India.

Philanthropic Agencies Developed hospitals, research

working for health in Health,
Education,
centers, and healthcare
programs such as the Tata
India  Tata Trusts 1919
Livelihoods,
Environment
Memorial Center, which is a
leading cancer research
institute in India.

Provides mid-day meals to over

1.8 million children in 19,039
Akshaya Patra Nutrition and schools across 12 states in
2000 India, which has helped
Foundation Education
improve attendance and
academic performance of
children.
 Major Projects and
Organization Name Year of Establishment Areas of Operation Impacts
Provides healthcare services
and focuses on maternal
and child health, nutrition,
Maternal and Child Health, and access to healthcare.
CARE India 1946 Nutrition, Livelihoods Has helped reduce the
maternal mortality rate in
some of the most
underserved communities.
Focuses on child survival,
maternal and child health,
and adolescent health. Has
helped improve the health
Save the Children India 2008 Child Health and Education outcomes of children in India
through its child survival
programs, which focus on
reducing child mortality and
improving access to
healthcare services.
 Major Projects and
Organization Name Year of Establishment Areas of Operation Impacts
Provides healthcare
services to
underprivileged
communities in India
through its mobile health
Smile Foundation 2002 Healthcare
clinics and healthcare
awareness campaigns.
Has provided healthcare
services to over 1 million
people in India.
Focuses on maternal and
child health, cancer care,
and emergency medical
services. Has provided
Apollo Hospitals healthcare services to
1983 Healthcare
Foundation over 65 million people in
India and has helped
improve the outcomes of
cancer patients through
its cancer care programs.
• The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has played a significant role in reducing the burden of diseases like
polio, measles, and pneumonia in India through its support of vaccine development and maternal and child
health programs.
• Tata Trusts has established several hospitals and research centers, including the Tata Memorial Center, which
is a leading cancer research institute in India. This has helped improve the healthcare infrastructure in the
country and contributed to the development of advanced treatments for various diseases.
• The Akshaya Patra Foundation's mid-day meal program has had a positive impact on the attendance and
academic performance of children in India, especially in underprivileged areas. By providing meals to over
1.8 million children in 19,039 schools across 12 states in India, the foundation has helped tackle malnutrition
and improved the overall health of children.
• CARE India's focus on maternal and child health, nutrition, and access to healthcare has helped reduce the
maternal mortality rate in underserved communities in India. This has had a significant impact on improving
the health outcomes of women and children in the country.
• Save the Children India's child survival programs have helped reduce child mortality and improve access to
healthcare services for children in India. The organization has made significant strides in improving the
health outcomes of children in some of the most vulnerable communities in the country.
• Smile Foundation's mobile health clinics and healthcare awareness campaigns have helped provide
healthcare services to over 1 million people in India, especially in remote areas where access to healthcare is
limited.
• The Apollo Hospitals Foundation has provided healthcare services to over 65 million people in India and has
helped improve the outcomes of cancer patients through its cancer care programs. The foundation's efforts
have helped tackle some of the most prevalent health challenges faced by the country.
 References
1. National  Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control-
https://ncvbdc.mohfw.gov.in/index4.php?lang=1&level=0&linkid=431&lid=3715
2. National Health Mission- 
https://nhm.gov.in/index1.php?lang=1&level=2&sublinkid=822&lid=218
3. Sanitation and Hygiene Advocacy and Communication Strategy Framework- 
efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://swachhbharatmission.gov.in/sbmcms/w
ritereaddata/images/pdf/technical-notes-manuals/SHACS.pdf
4. Addressing mental health in India - 
https://www.who.int/southeastasia/publications/i/item/9789290210177
5. Vietnam Ministry of Health- https://moh.gov.vn/web/ministry-of-health
6. Ministry of Health of Malaysia- https://www.moh.gov.my/
7. Ministry of Health of Singapore- https://www.moh.gov.sg/
8. Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination, Government of
Pakistan- 
://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://extranet.who.int/countryplanningcycl
es/sites/default/files/planning_cycle_repository/pakistan/national_health_vision_2
016-25_30-08-2016.pdf