Which of the following is/are the objective/objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY)? 1. Correcting regional imbalances in the availability of tertiary health care services 2. Providing universal access to public health services and universal immunization 3. Augmenting facilities for quality medical education in the country Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

The Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), announced in 2003, focuses on two primary objectives: correcting regional imbalances in the availability of affordable and reliable tertiary healthcare services and augmenting facilities for quality medical education in the country [1]. To achieve these, the scheme operates through two main components: the establishment of new AIIMS-like institutions and the upgradation of existing Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) [3]. While PMSSY addresses tertiary care and medical education, universal access to public health services and universal immunization are broader goals typically associated with the National Health Mission (NHM) and Mission Indradhanush, rather than the specific mandate of PMSSY [4]. Therefore, only statements 1 and 3 are correct objectives of this specific central sector scheme.

Sources

1. [1] https://www.mohfw.gov.in/?q=en/pressrelease/steps-taken-government-expand-healthcare-infrastructure
2. [3] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1481679
3. [4] https://www.mohfw.gov.in/?q=en/pressrelease/steps-taken-strengthen-public-healthcare-system