The Indian government has taken several steps to promote healthcare in rural areas and improve access to healthcare services for the rural population. These measures include: 1. National Rural Health Mission (NRHM): The NRHM was launched in 2005 to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services to rural areas. It focuses on improving infrastructure, human resource capacity, and availability of essential drugs. 2. Establishment of Primary Health Centers (PHCs) and Sub-Centers: The government has set up PHCs and Sub-Centers in rural areas to provide primary healthcare services. These centers act as a first point of contact for villagers and offer services like immunization, maternal and child healthcare, and basic treatment. 3. Mobile Medical Units (MMUs): The government has deployed MMUs to reach remote and inaccessible areas. These units provide medical consultation, diagnostic tests, and minor treatments to the people living in these regions. 4. Telemedicine Services: To overcome the shortage of doctors in rural areas, the government has implemented telemedicine services. It enables rural patients to consult with doctors located in urban areas through video conferencing, ensuring timely medical advice and treatment. 5. Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): This scheme aims at reducing maternal and infant mortality rates by promoting institutional deliveries. It provides financial assistance, conditional cash transfers, and incentives to pregnant women in rural areas. 6. Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs): The government has trained and deployed ASHAs in rural areas who act as a link between the community and the healthcare system. ASHAs provide health education, immunization support, and facilitate access to healthcare services. These steps by the Indian government are geared towards improving healthcare accessibility, providing essential services, and reducing health inequality in rural areas.