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India Eyes Early Achievement of SDG Health Goals Ahead of 2030 deadline: Government

The Union Cabinet announced that India is on track to achieve its health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) well before the 2030 deadline. The update follows a comprehensive review of the progress under the National Health Mission (NHM) over the last three years.

• By Pooja Chaturvedi Sah
• New Delhi
• Jan 23, 2025

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In a major milestone for public health, the Union Cabinet announced on Wednesday, 22 January, that India is on track to achieve its health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) well before the 2030 deadline. The update follows a comprehensive review of the progress under the National Health Mission (NHM) over the last three years.

From expanding human resources to tackling critical health challenges, the mission has seen progress in areas such as maternal and child health, disease elimination, and healthcare infrastructure. 

During the review, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Cabinet was informed about substantial strides made under the NHM between 2021-22 and 2023-24. 

An official statement highlighted that ongoing efforts have transformed the healthcare landscape, bringing the country closer to its SDG health targets. “India is on track to meet its health targets well ahead of the 2030 deadline,” the statement read, attributing this success to NHM’s role in making healthcare more accessible and integrated, particularly during health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Significant Decline in Mortality Rates 

India’s health indicators have seen notable improvements over the years, with a sharp decline in key mortality rates: 

• The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) fell from 130 per lakh live births in 2014-16 to 97 in 2018-20, marking a 25% reduction. 

• The Under-5 Mortality Rate dropped from 45 per 1,000 live births in 2014 to 32 in 2020, a decline of 75% since 1990, exceeding global benchmarks. 

• The Infant Mortality Rate decreased from 39 per 1,000 live births in 2014 to 28 in 2020. 

• The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) fell from 2.3 in 2015 to 2.0 in 2020, reflecting improved family planning and awareness efforts. 

“These improvements indicate that India is well ahead of schedule in meeting the SDG targets for maternal, child, and infant mortality,” the statement added. 

Scaling Up Healthcare Workforce 

The NHM’s emphasis on strengthening human resources has resulted in a expansion of the healthcare workforce. In 2021-22, over 2.69 lakh healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and allied health workers, were added. By 2023-24, this number rose to 5.23 lakh, with 1.38 lakh community health officers engaged to ensure last-mile healthcare delivery. 

Disease Elimination Programs Yield Results 

India’s efforts to eliminate and control diseases under the NHM have also delivered remarkable results: 

• Tuberculosis (TB): Cases reduced from 237 per 1,00,000 population in 2015 to 195 in 2023, while TB-related deaths fell from 28 per 1,00,000 in 2015 to 22 in 2023. 

• Kala-Azar: By the end of 2023, 100% of endemic blocks achieved the elimination target of less than one case per 10,000 population. 

• Malaria: Deaths due to malaria decreased by 7.77% in 2022 compared to 2021, despite an increase in case detection. 

Specialized programs such as the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan have seen enthusiastic participation, with over 1.56 lakh Ni-kshay Mitra volunteers supporting 9.40 lakh TB patients across the country. 

The NHM has also taken on a variety of pressing health issues, including sickle cell anemia, snakebite envenoming, and tobacco use. 

• The National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission, launched in 2023, has screened over 2.61 crore individuals in tribal areas, aiming to eradicate the disease by 2047. 

• Sustained tobacco control campaigns have led to a 17.3% reduction in usage over the past decade. 

• The National Action Plan for Snakebite Envenoming, introduced in 2022-23, has focused on education, prevention, and treatment strategies to reduce snakebite fatalities. 

COVID-19 and Digital Innovations 

The NHM’s public health infrastructure proved critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing its network of healthcare facilities and workers, over 220 crore vaccine doses were administered between January 2021 and March 2024. 

In addition, digital initiatives like the U-WIN Platform have revolutionized immunization tracking. Launched in 2023, the platform has expanded to 65 districts, ensuring timely vaccinations for pregnant women, infants, and children. 

Specialized Healthcare Programs See Expansion 

India’s efforts to expand access to specialized care have also gained momentum: 

• The Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme provided over 62.35 lakh hemodialysis sessions in FY 2023-24, benefiting more than 4.53 lakh patients. 

• The Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign vaccinated over 34.77 crore children, achieving a coverage rate of 97.98%. 

With these successes, the Union Cabinet on 22 January also approved continuation of the National Health Mission for another five years.