Correct Answer: 2005

Solution : The correct answer is (b) 2005

The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) was launched by the Government of India in April 2005, with the aim of improving healthcare services in rural areas of the country. It was later subsumed under the National Health Mission (NHM) in 2013.

The primary objective of NRHM was to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to the rural population, particularly the vulnerable sections. It focused on bridging the gaps in healthcare infrastructure, strengthening healthcare delivery systems, and improving the overall health indicators in rural areas.

The NRHM also aimed to address the social determinants of health, such as sanitation, safe drinking water, and nutrition, in order to improve the overall health and well-being of rural communities.

The NRHM played a significant role in strengthening rural healthcare infrastructure, improving access to healthcare services, and reducing health disparities between rural and urban areas. It served as a crucial platform for addressing the healthcare needs of the rural population and laying the foundation for subsequent healthcare initiatives in India.