The National Urban Health Mission (NUHM), under an overarching National Health Mission (NHM) is likely to be considered by the Cabinet for approval soon, but it is unlikely to be launched during the next financial year.

The proposal of NUHM was discussed in the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) under the Chairmanship of the Finance Secretary and Secretary (Expenditure) on October 9, 2012. The EFC meeting recommended the proposal for approval of the Cabinet with recommendation of Rs.22,507.21 crore during the 12th Five Year Plan with central share of Rs.16,955 crore.

“Cabinet note on NUHM was sent to Cabinet Secretariat on 24th January, 2013 for placing the same before the Cabinet for consideration and approval. Cabinet considered the proposal relating to NUHM in its meeting held on February 21, 2013. However, the agenda item was postponed,” according to the official sources.

For the 12th Five Year Plan 2012-17, an amount of Rs.15,143 crore has been approved by the Planning Commission whereas the Ministry proposed Rs.16,955 crore for NUHM during 12th FYP. However for the year 2013-14 approved outlay for NUHM is Rs.1.00 crore only, putting a serious question mark on the launch of the long-pending proposal.

The NUHM was a listed scheme under 11th Five Year Plan with an approved outlay of Rs.4500 crore and Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) also approved the scheme in its meeting held on September 12, 2008. However the scheme could not be launched.

The proposed NUHM aims to improve the health status of the urban population particularly slum dwellers and other vulnerable sections by facilitating equitable access to quality healthcare with the active involvement of the urban local bodies (ULBs). It proposes to cover 779 cities and towns including seven metros with population of 50,000 and above.

The Prime Minister, in his Independence Day speech last year, had announced to launch the NHM and the President also reiterated it in his address to the Parliament this year. The present budget has also made provision under the National Health Mission, instead of the NRHM. The allocation stands at Rs.18,880.35 crore against Rs.18,515.30 crore in the last year.