Governance and Provision of Health Security: A Case Study of the Implementation of the National Rural Health Mission Programme in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya

Abstract

The provision of human security in terms of food and health by the Government is an important indicator of good governance. This is more so in a state which is largely rural in nature, where the poverty level is high and the basic access to healthcare facilities is negligible. The health indicators in the state of Meghalaya are not too impressive. Infant Mortality Rate is as high as 55(SRS 2011) and it is reported that one in every four children is severely underweight (NFHS 3). To add to this the health indicators of women is also far from good. The state has a high Maternal Mortality Rate as well as high Total Fertility Rate. The NRHM Vision (20052012) has identified Meghalaya as one of the states having weak public health indicators and infrastructure. The weak health indicators and infrastructure bears testimony to the fact that until and unless the Government takes a more proactive role, large group of the marginalized section will not enjoy any form of health security. In this context therefore it becomes important for us to understand the role played by the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in ensuring health security to the marginalised group. Both primary and secondary sources have been used. Primary sources included government reports and document; while Secondary sources included the use of reference books and newspapers.