Village Health Committee
Full Form of VHC
What is VHC?
The Village Health Committee (VHC) is a community-level institutional mechanism established under India's National Rural Health Mission to promote local participation in healthcare planning, delivery, and monitoring. Formed at the village or ward level, the VHC comprises elected panchayat members, ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, local residents, and representatives from vulnerable groups including women and marginalized communities. The committee plays a vital role in preparing village health plans, identifying health priorities, and ensuring that government health schemes reach the last mile. VHCs also receive untied funds from the government to address local health emergencies, sanitation drives, and preventive care activities. In India, these committees act as a bridge between rural communities and the public health system, particularly in states with weaker healthcare infrastructure. The VHC holds regular meetings, maintains health records, and reports outbreaks or issues to the Primary Health Centre. For aspirants preparing for UPSC, state PSCs, and competitive exams related to public health and governance, understanding the structure and function of Village Health Committees is essential, as questions frequently appear in general studies papers.
VHC का फुल फॉर्म
ग्राम स्वास्थ्य समिति
Example
The Village Health Committee in our panchayat organized a sanitation drive and dengue awareness camp last month with support from the local PHC staff.