Under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), who acts as the link between the community and healthcare services?

Question

Question

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA)

Rationale:

The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) was launched by the Government of India in 2005 to address the health needs of underserved rural areas. It aimed to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to the rural population.
Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) are community health workers instituted by the NRHM. They act as a crucial link between the community and the healthcare services provided by the government.
ASHAs are trained to work in their own villages to create awareness on health and its social determinants, mobilize the community towards local health planning and increased utilization of the existing health services.
Their roles include promoting good health practices, providing primary medical care for minor ailments, facilitating access to health services, and supporting the implementation of various national health programs at the grassroots level.

Explanation of Other Options:

Anganwadi worker

Rationale: Anganwadi workers are primarily involved in the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme. They focus on child nutrition, health, and early childhood education. They are not specifically trained or designated to link the community with healthcare services under the NRHM.

Trained Birth Attendant (TBA)

Rationale: Trained Birth Attendants (TBAs) assist with childbirth and maternal care, especially in rural areas. While they play a vital role in maternal and child health, they do not act as the general link between the community and the broader spectrum of healthcare services under NRHM.

Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM)

Rationale: Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) provide basic healthcare services and maternal and child health services in rural areas. Though ANMs are important healthcare providers, their primary role is more clinical rather than serving as the community link to the wider healthcare system under NRHM.

Conclusion:

Among the given options, the Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) is the designated link between the community and healthcare services under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). ASHAs are trained to ensure that rural populations effectively utilize health services, thus bridging the gap between the community and the healthcare system.