Urban Health Mission transforming care for urban poor: Arti Singh Rao

Health Minister Arti Singh Rao today said the state’s implementation of the Urban Health Mission is bringing “significant changes in the lives of the urban poor”, with 12 integrated primary healthcare services now being delivered through upgraded facilities across cities and towns.

Sharing the progress of the mission, she said 107 Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs) and 165 Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (UAAMs) are currently operational in the state. The government, she added, is committed to ensuring that “no individual is deprived of healthcare services due to poverty or frequent changes in residence.”

The minister said all UPHCs and UAAMs have now been upgraded as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, each offering a package of 12 essential primary healthcare services. These include maternal and child healthcare, family planning, prevention and management of communicable and non-communicable diseases, dental and eye care, mental health services, palliative care for the elderly and emergency services.

Recalling the origins of the initiative, Arti Singh Rao said the National Urban Health Mission, launched in June 2013 under the National Health Mission, is “bringing major improvements in the health sector across Haryana’s cities and towns.” The mission focuses on urban poor communities such as slum dwellers, daily-wage workers, rickshaw pullers, construction labourers, waste pickers and street children.

She said regular outreach activities in slum clusters are raising awareness about healthy habits, supporting routine immunization and ensuring essential maternal and child services. All Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are also providing free essential medicines, diagnostics, yoga sessions and tele-consultation services to promote holistic health.

The minister added that some UPHCs have been upgraded into Specialist Urban Primary Health Centres, enabling citizens to access specialist consultation close to home.

Arti Singh Rao said the Health Department remains committed to building a “healthy, strong and inclusive Haryana”, setting a new benchmark for accessible and affordable healthcare for the urban poor, similar to the progress achieved in rural regions.