Department of Health and Welfare
Full Form of DHW
What is DHW?
The Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) is a state-level administrative body in India responsible for overseeing public health policies, medical services, and social welfare programs. It operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare or its state equivalents, coordinating initiatives such as vaccination drives, maternal and child health schemes, disease control programs, and welfare measures for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and economically weaker sections. DHW offices are present in every Indian state and union territory, functioning as the primary link between central health missions and local healthcare facilities. The department also manages nutrition programs, health education campaigns, and emergency response systems. In addition to healthcare, DHW oversees welfare schemes like pensions, food security, and rehabilitation services. It plays a critical role in implementing national health policies such as Ayushman Bharat and the National Health Mission at the grassroots level. For competitive exams like UPSC, state civil services, and health officer exams, understanding the functions and organizational structure of DHW is essential for governance and public administration questions.
DHW का फुल फॉर्म
स्वास्थ्य एवं कल्याण विभाग
Example
The state DHW has launched a new mobile health unit to provide primary care in remote tribal villages.