Impact of National Health Mission of India on Infant and Maternal Mortality: A Logical Framework Analysis

Abstract

Background: Since independence, life expectancy has increased substantially in India, but the goal of health-for-all has not been achieved yet. Hence, National Rural Health Mission was launched in 2005, and several strategies were implemented to strengthen the health system. Impact evaluation of the mission was done to learn lessons for future health planning. Materials and Methods: Logical evaluation framework was used to examine input, output and impact indicators systematically using time series data from Health Management Information System, National Family Health Surveys, National Sample Surveys and Sample Registration Scheme. Findings: After launch of the mission, fund allocation has increased nearly five times. The number of auxiliary nurse midwives has doubled, and the number of nurses has trebled. The number of accredited social health activists has increased to about one million. Institutional deliveries have increased from 38.7% in 2005–2006 to 78.9% in 2015–2016. Full immunisation coverage has increased from 43.5% to 62%. Oral rehydration solution (ORS) use in childhood diarrhoea has increased from 26% to 51%. Infant mortality rate has declined from 58 in 2005 to 33 per 1,000 live births in 2017 and maternal mortality ratio has also registered a decline from 254 in 2004–2006 to 122/100000 live births in 2015–2017. However, out-of-pocket health expenditure continues to be fairly high (69.3% of the total expenditure on health). Conclusions: Though National Health Mission has made a significant impact, the goal of universal care coverage is not yet fully achieved. Hence, capacity of health system needs to be trebled by a substantial increase in fund allocation.