The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is an Indian government ministry responsible for health policy in the country. It is also in charge of all government family planning programs in India. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare organizes numerous programs, including the World Health Organization (WHO). Read on to learn more about the ministry of health and family welfare and the role WHO plays in it.
The World Health Organization (WHO):
The World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations’ specialized health agency, and it is an intergovernmental organization that collaborates with its member countries, mainly through the Ministries of Health. World Health Organization provides:
- Global health leadership.
- Guiding the health research agenda.
- Establishing norms and standards.
- Articulating evidence-based policy options.
- Assisting countries with technical assistance.
- Monitoring and assessing health trends.
On January 12, 1948, India ratified the WHO Constitution. On 4-5 October 1948, the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia conducted its first session in the office of the Indian Minister of Health. India is a member of the WHO Southeast Asia Regional Office.
The Role of WHO in India:
The WHO Country Office for India is based in Delhi and has a presence throughout the country. The areas of work of the WHO Country Office for India are outlined in its revised Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) 2012-2017.
WHO’s headquarters in Geneva, six regional offices, and country offices are manned by health professionals, other experts, and support employees. In carrying out its duties and meeting its goals, WHO’s secretariat focuses on the six fundamental functions listed below:
- Shaping the research agenda and stimulating the generation, translation, and dissemination of valuable knowledge.
- Setting norms and standards and promoting and monitoring their implementation.
- Articulating ethical and evidence-based policy options.
- Providing technical support, catalyzing change, and building sustainable institutional capacity.
- Monitoring the state of health and measuring health trends.
Accordingly, These fundamental functions are outlined in the 11th General Programme of Work and which is the basis for the organization’s overall work plan, budget, resources, and outcomes. It is also titled “Engaging for Health” and spans from 2006 to 2015.
WHO’s Guide to a Healthy Nation:
Physical Activity
WHO announced a new Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030 in 2018, outlining four policy action areas and 20 specific policy recommendations and measures for the Member States, international partners, and WHO to enhance physical activity globally.
National health mission (NHM)
Health System Strengthening, Reproductive-Maternal-Neonatal-Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A), and Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases are also the key programmatic components. The NHM envisions universal access to equitable, affordable, and high-quality healthcare services that are accountable and responsive to people’s needs.
Primary health center
The Special Programme on Primary Health Care (SP-PHC) provides an agile, integrated platform for connecting WHO’s three billion strategic priorities (healthier populations – universal health coverage – health emergencies) and PHC work at the Country Office, Regional Office, and Headquarters.
World health day
Accordingly, April 7 is World Health Day. It observed annually, with each year focusing on a different health issue of importance to people all across the world. So April 7 is the anniversary of WHO’s foundation in 1948.
WHO also organizes an annual Mental health day on October 10.
You achieve a healthy lifestyle when you achieve the right blend and balance of a healthy body, mind, and emotion. So, we hope this essay has been helpful to all those who desire to make substantial life changes and improve themselves.