Health & Nutrition Schemes — Set 11

Correct Answer: C. 2006-07

National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness (NPPCD) was launched in 2006-07 to prevent avoidable hearing loss and provide rehabilitation to the hearing impaired. Hearing loss is the most common sensory impairment and affects about 6.3% of India's population. The programme provides free hearing aids, cochlear implants, and speech and language therapy at government hospitals. School screening for hearing impairment is also conducted.

Correct Answer: B. Grow vegetables and fruits to improve nutrition locally

Poshan Vatikas (Nutrition Gardens) are being developed at Anganwadi Centres, schools, and government premises to grow local vegetables, fruits, and herbs to improve nutrition. Launched as part of POSHAN 2.0, these gardens demonstrate the importance of locally available nutritious foods and help address micronutrient deficiencies. Anganwadi Workers are encouraged to grow and use produce from Poshan Vatikas in supplementary nutrition.

Correct Answer: B. National Commission for Women Act 1990

National Commission for Women (NCW) was established in January 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act 1990. NCW is a statutory body that reviews constitutional and legal safeguards for women and recommends remedial measures. It investigates complaints against violation of women's rights, advises the government on policy matters, and studies matters relating to women's rights. NCW is headed by a Chairperson appointed by the Central Government.

Correct Answer: B. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) was launched on January 22, 2015 from Panipat, Haryana specifically to address the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) in India. The scheme focuses on preventing gender-biased sex-selective elimination, ensuring survival and protection of girl child, and promoting education of girls. BBBP initially covered 100 districts with low CSR and expanded to cover all districts. CSR improved from 918 (2012) to 934 (2019-21, NFHS-5) at national level.

Correct Answer: B. Prevention and treatment of substance abuse and addiction

National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) was launched in 2018-19 for prevention of substance abuse through awareness generation, education, and treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts. Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) was launched in 2020 in 272 most-affected districts for drug de-addiction. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment runs Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA) scheme.

Correct Answer: C. 60 lakh

India performs approximately 60 lakh cataract operations per year, making it one of the highest in the world. Cataract is the leading cause of avoidable blindness in India. National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) supports free cataract operations at government hospitals and through outreach camps. District Blind Control Societies coordinate with NGOs and private eye hospitals for conducting free cataract surgeries.

Correct Answer: B. 108 emergency ambulance

The 108 Emergency Response Service was first piloted in Andhra Pradesh and later became the model for national emergency ambulance services. The 108 service provides Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances round the clock. Emergency Response Centres (ERC) are connected to 108 ambulances through GPS tracking. As of 2024, over 17,000 ambulances operate under 108 service across India.

Correct Answer: B. 1985

Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) was introduced in 1985, expanded from the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) launched in 1978. UIP provides free vaccines to all children and pregnant women across India at government health facilities. It is one of the largest public health programmes globally, reaching 2.67 crore newborns and 2.9 crore pregnant women annually. India introduced multiple new vaccines including Pentavalent, IPV, PCV, and Rota under UIP.

Correct Answer: C. ₹2.23 lakh crore over 5 years

The 15th Finance Commission (2021-26) recommended ₹2.23 lakh crore for health sector over the period 2021-26, with grants tied to specific health outcomes. This included ₹70,000 crore for primary health infrastructure and allocations for urban local bodies for health improvements. The Commission emphasized preventive health measures and increased public health spending to achieve 2.5% GDP target set by National Health Policy 2017.

Correct Answer: C. 2014

WHO declared India polio-free in March 2014, after three years without any wild poliovirus case (last case was in Howrah, West Bengal on January 13, 2011). This was a historic achievement considering India's massive population and challenging healthcare infrastructure. India's success was due to intensive Pulse Polio Immunization campaigns, supplementary immunization activities, and surveillance strengthening. Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) drops are still given during Pulse Polio drives.