Community Health Officers: A Critical Analysis of Their Role in Comprehensive Primary Healthcare in India

The National Health Policy of 2017 marked a significant shift in India’s healthcare approach by advocating for the allocation of two-thirds of the health budget to primary healthcare. This policy underpinned the establishment of Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) as a foundation for delivering comprehensive primary healthcare (CPHC) services. The Ayushman Bharat Programme, launched in February 2018, aimed to create 150,000 HWCs through the transformation of existing health facilities. Central to this initiative is the role of Community Health Officers (CHOs), who serve as vital links between healthcare services and underserved populations, particularly in rural areas. This article examines the evolving role of CHOs, their contributions to public health, and the challenges faced in enhancing healthcare accessibility and effectiveness.