“Uttar Pradesh is transforming rural healthcare by upgrading over 5,000 Primary Health Centers under the National Health Mission, ensuring better access to medical services. With 24×7 PHCs, mobile medical units, and new medical colleges, the state aims to bridge healthcare gaps, reduce mortality rates, and improve maternal and child health outcomes for millions in rural areas.”
Uttar Pradesh’s Rural Healthcare Revolution: New PHCs Lead the Way
Expansion of Primary Health Centers (PHCs):
Uttar Pradesh has upgraded over 5,000 Primary Health Centers (PHCs) and Community Health Centers (CHCs) under the National Health Mission (NHM) as of July 2025. This includes converting 12,348 PHCs into 24×7 facilities to provide round-the-clock emergency services, significantly improving access in rural areas. Additionally, 3,133 First Referral Units (FRUs) are now operational to handle critical cases.
Mobile Medical Units for Remote Access:
The state has deployed 1,424 Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) to reach remote and underserved regions, offering diagnostics and basic care to isolated communities. These units are crucial for addressing issues like snakebites and maternal health emergencies, which often lead to fatalities due to delayed treatment.
New Medical Colleges to Boost Workforce:
Over 30 new medical colleges have been established across Uttar Pradesh, aimed at training healthcare professionals with a focus on rural needs. This initiative seeks to address the severe shortage of doctors, with Uttar Pradesh facing a 36% vacancy rate for doctors in PHCs, as reported in 2024.
Jan Aushadhi Kendras for Affordable Medicine:
More than 1,500 Jan Aushadhi Kendras are operational statewide, providing subsidized medicines to rural households. However, only 12.2% of rural households currently have access to these kendras, highlighting the need for further expansion to ensure affordable healthcare.
Role of ASHAs in Community Healthcare:
Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) are pivotal in rural healthcare delivery, facilitating immunizations, maternal care, and health awareness. Their role has been strengthened under NHM, with training programs to enhance community-level care, though challenges like low remuneration persist.
Ayushman Bharat and Digital Health Integration:
The Ayushman Bharat scheme is transforming PHCs into Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs), with 75 PHCs upgraded in collaboration with Abbott and Americares India Foundation, benefiting over 2.5 million people annually. The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) is also integrating telemedicine platforms like eSanjeevani to improve access to consultations in rural areas.
Challenges in Infrastructure and Staffing:
Despite progress, Uttar Pradesh faces a 36% doctor vacancy rate in PHCs and a shortage of specialists at CHCs. Low public health spending (1.28% of GDP) and poor infrastructure, with only 45.1% of PHCs operating 24×7, remain hurdles. Incentivizing rural postings and expanding medical education are critical steps being taken.
Impact on Health Outcomes:
The upgraded PHCs and MMUs have contributed to improved maternal and child health outcomes, with reduced infant mortality and better immunization rates. For instance, timely interventions at 24×7 PHCs are saving lives in cases like snakebites and childbirth complications, as noted by healthcare experts.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news, reports, and official statements from sources like the National Health Mission, Transform Rural India, and media outlets such as The Hindu and Times of India. Data is accurate as of August 2025 and subject to change.