How to use this glossary
Health abbreviations feature in general awareness and governance (NHM, AYUSH). Group the bodies, programmes and diagnostic tests.
WHO/ICMR
Health bodies
ASHA
Community worker
AYUSH
Traditional medicine
MRI/ECG
Diagnostics
Bodies and systems
| Abbr. | Full form |
|---|---|
| WHO | World Health Organization |
| ICMR | Indian Council of Medical Research |
| AIIMS | All India Institute of Medical Sciences |
| NMC | National Medical Commission |
| AYUSH | Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy |
| CDSCO | Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation |
Programmes and health workers
| Abbr. | Full form |
|---|---|
| NHM | National Health Mission |
| ASHA | Accredited Social Health Activist |
| ANM | Auxiliary Nurse Midwife |
| PHC / CHC | Primary / Community Health Centre |
| ICDS | Integrated Child Development Services |
| PMJAY | Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (Ayushman Bharat) |
Diagnostics and medical terms
| Abbr. | Full form |
|---|---|
| ECG | Electrocardiogram |
| EEG | Electroencephalogram |
| MRI | Magnetic Resonance Imaging |
| CT (scan) | Computed Tomography |
| ORS | Oral Rehydration Solution |
| IMR / MMR | Infant / Maternal Mortality Rate |
UPSC angle
Know the bodies (ICMR/NMC/AYUSH), the public-health programmes (NHM/ICDS/PMJAY) and workers (ASHA/ANM), plus diagnostic expansions (MRI/ECG).
Frequently asked questions
What is the full form of ICMR?
Indian Council of Medical Research.
What does ASHA stand for?
Accredited Social Health Activist — a community health worker under the NHM.
What is the full form of AYUSH?
Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy.
What is the full form of MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging.