NATIONAL URBAN HEALTH MISSION (NUHM) 

            The National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) was launched in Mizoram on February 14, 2014. Initially, 8 Urban Primary Health Centers (UPHCs) were approved: 6 in Aizawl City and 2 in Lunglei Town. In 2019-2020, one UPHC was approved for Champhai District and another UPHC was approved for Kolasib District in FY 2024-25 ROP.

Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC) is a government health facility established under the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) to provide primary health care services to people living in urban areas; especially the urban poor, slum dwellers and other vulnerable groups.

OBJECTIVES

To provide integrated and sustainable primary health care to improve the health status of urban poor communities and low-income neighborhoods, especially those living on the outskirts of cities and towns, including vulnerable groups.

LOCATION OF URBAN PRIMARY HEALTH CENTER IN MIZORAM

AIZAWL WEST

Chawlhhmun UPHC

Hlimen UPHC

Lawipu UPHC

 

AIZAWL EAST

ITI

Zemabawk

Sihphir

 

LUNGLEI

Hrangchalkawn

Sazaikawn

 

CHAMPHAI

Champhai Vengthar

 

KOLASIB

Kolasib Vengthar

General Services of UPHC

UPHC provides 24 X 7 emergency services and conducts delivery (labor) for the community

1. Outpatient Services (OPD)

• Diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses
• First aid and minor procedures
• Referral to higher facilities when needed

2. Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Services

• Antenatal care (ANC) for pregnant women
• Postnatal care (PNC)
• Safe delivery (if facilities available) or referral
• Immunization of children
• Growth monitoring and nutrition advice

3. Family Planning & Reproductive Health

• Counseling on family planning methods
• Provision of contraceptives (condoms, oral pills, IUCD, chhaya , antara etc.)
• RTI/STI diagnosis and treatment
• Adolescent health counseling

4. All National Health Programmes are implemented at UPHC

5. Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Care

• Screening and management  for diabetes, hypertension, and cancers (oral, breast, cervical)
• Counseling for lifestyle modification (diet, exercise, tobacco/alcohol cessation)
• Follow up of patients.

6. Laboratory & Diagnostic Services

• Basic blood, urine tests and sputum test

7. Pharmacy Services

• Free distribution of essential medicines

8. Health Promotion & Preventive Care

• Health education sessions (personal hygiene, sanitation, nutrition etc.)
• School Health Programmes
• Community outreach through ASHA workers and Mahila Arogya Samiti (MAS)
• Eat Right Campaign

9. Referral Services

• Referral of complicated cases to higher centers like CHCs, District Hospitals, or Medical Colleges

STAFFING

Generally, UPHC includes a Medical Officer, Staff Nurses, Pharmacist, Lab Technician, ANMs, Accounts Clerk and Helper.

 

MEDICINE

Medicines are purchased by floating Open Tender through Local Newspaper as per requirement listed out by each UPHC which is tallied to fall under the budget and in alignment with STATE ESSENTIAL DRUGS LIST as per ROP approval.

All Medicines that are supplied from the Government are provided at free of cost.

National EDL - 171

State EDL       - 155

 

LABORATORY TEST

The average test available at UPHCs is 55. All reagents and test kits received from the government is provided at free of cost.

National Essential Diagnostic Test-63

 

COMMUNITY PROCESSES

Strengthening community services through ASHAs and Mahila Arogya Samitis (MAS) are an important component of NUHM.

Mahila Arogya Samiti (MAS): MAS is a Women's Health Committee that promotes community participation in health activities under NUHM. Currently, 93 MAS members are approved and functioning.

Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA):  ASHAs are female community health workers who play a vital role in NUHM by providing health education, home visit, promoting healthy behaviors, and connecting individuals to healthcare services. Ninety-three (93) Urban ASHAs have been recruited, with an average of 25 household visits per month. Out of 93 ASHAs engaged, 87 have been trained in the induction module, and 87 trained on Modules 6 and 7. ASHAs in urban areas are being trained in NCD modules from 2017 onwards, and from 2018, they are being trained for an expanded range of services under CPHC. 93 MAS have been formed, and all ASHAs have been trained on community action across the state.

 

URBAN HEALTH & NUTRITION DAY (UHND)

UHND provides preventive, promotive, and basic curative services monthly at Anganwadi Centres or other community spaces. A total of 372 UHND sessions per month are approved for 10 UPHCs, with 4,464 sessions. The sessions are primarily conducted by Health Workers and Urban ASHAs, with support from other frontline functionaries as required.

 

OUTREACH

The special outreach camps have also shown a steadfast increase over the last few years. Outreach has played a critical role in providing services nearer to the community, apart from services through health facilities. 80 special outreach camps was approved from GOI for Mizoram and extra special outreach is also conducted using IPA (Internal Performance Agreement) funding under World Bank Project.

 

Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness Centres (2018)

As mandated in Ayushman Bharat, the Urban PHCs under NUHM are being strengthened as Ayushman Bharat - Health and Wellness Centres (UPHC-HWCs) to deliver Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC). Presently 9 UPHCs in Mizoram have been upgraded to Health and Wellness Centers and functioning.

 

SPECIALIST SERVICES

As approved by GOI, specialist services are available in all UPHC-HWC. Specialists are visiting UPHC in rotation. Seven specialist services are available.

1.   Dental surgeon

2.   ENT

3.   Obstetrics & Gynecologist

4.   Ophthalmologist & Optometrist

5.   Pediatrics

6.   PM&R (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)

7.   Psychiatrics

 

FIFTEENTH FINANCE COMMISSION & PM ABHIM (2021)

Through XV FC health grants & PM-ABHIM, Comprehensive Primary Health Care would be provided by setting up Urban Health and Wellness Centres (UHWCs) and upgrading selected Urban Primary Health Centre to Specialist UPHC or polyclinic-based upon the context of the local area to provide in-person specialist services on a fixed day every week.

Three UPHCs i.e., Zemabawk UPHC, Chawlhhmun UPHC, Lawipu UPHC started functioning as Polyclinic from October 2024. Seven speciality department are visiting these Polyclinics.

1.   Dental surgeon

2.   ENT

3.   Obstetrics & Gynecologist

4.   Ophthalmologist & Optometrist

5.   Pediatrics

6.   PM&R (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)

7.   Psychiatrics

 

 

IMMUNIZATION

Routine Immunization (RI) sessions are an integral component of the public health strategy to ensure full immunization coverage among children and pregnant women. Under the Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs), RI sessions are systematically organized to improve accessibility and encourage timely vaccination.

As per the approved schedule, Routine Immunization sessions are conducted every Saturday (except on the second Saturday, which is observed as a government holiday) of each month. This scheduling ensures regularity while aligning with official holidays, thereby maintaining consistency in service delivery.

During these sessions, all essential vaccines under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) are administered, including those for children (BCG, OPV, Pentavalent, Measles-Rubella, etc.) and for pregnant women (TT/TD). The sessions are conducted by trained health personnel, with the support of ASHAs, Anganwadi Workers, and other frontline workers to mobilize beneficiaries, spread awareness, and ensure maximum community participation.

The RI sessions aim not only to achieve universal immunization coverage but also to build trust and confidence in the health system by bringing services closer to the community.

IMPROVED QUALITY OF HEALTH CARE IN URBAN FACILITIES

The quality of care in urban health facilities has improved due to various initiatives taken under the Quality Assurance initiatives of the Government of India. Facilities under NUHM undergo periodic quality assessments—covering clinical services, infection control, patient rights, and infrastructure—to ensure standards of care.

NQAS: 5 UPHCs i.e., ITI UPHC, Chawlhhmun UPHC, Hrangchalkawn UPHC, Lawipu UPHC, Sihphir UPHCs are certified for National Quality Assurance Standard.

Kayakalp: The Kayakalp incentive scheme was expanded in 2017 to cover all the Urban Health facilities. Internal assessment is done quarterly at facility level. Peer assessment and External assessment is held once every Financial Year.

POWER BACK UP

In order to strengthen the health infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted power supply, solar panels have been installed at the Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC) through the generous support of the SELCO Foundation. The installation has been carried out free of charge, reflecting the Foundation’s commitment towards promoting sustainable and renewable energy solutions in the health sector. This initiative will not only reduce dependency on conventional electricity sources but will also ensure continuity of essential health services, especially during power outages. The installation of solar panel enhances the efficiency and resilience of UPHC operations, thereby improving the quality of care delivered to the community.

CONVERGENCE

·      Coordination with Health & Family Welfare, Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation, Social Welfare Department, MCON, RIPANS, Apollo School of Nursing, BN College of Nursing, Synod College of Nursing, Blessino, ANM School Zemabawk, Laithangpuii School of Pharmacy, ZMC, and MSACS.

·         Integration with all NHM programs, with UPHC performance reported monthly in NUHM reports.

·         Convergence with AMC for annual health screenings of sanitation workers since 2018.