UPSC Notes

Central Council of Health and Family Welfare (CCHFW)

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

The CCHFW is a significant constitutional body that exemplifies cooperative federalism in the critical health sector. Its role in policy formulation, review, and Centre-State coordination makes it relevant for understanding governance, federal relations, and public health administration in India.

Constituted under Article 263 of the Constitution of India, the Central Council of Health and Family Welfare is the apex advisory body of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The Council reviews the implementation of policies and programmes relating to the medical and public health sectors and recommends measures for their effective implementation in partnership with the States and Union Territories.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Constitutional Basis

Established under Article 263 of the Indian Constitution.

Role

Apex advisory body to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Composition

Comprises Union and State/UT Health Ministers, MPs, senior officials, and experts.

Function

Reviews health policies and programmes, recommends measures for Centre-State collaboration.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaIndian Polity & Governance
Conceptual areaFederalism
Conceptual areaPublic Health

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Ministry of Health and Family WelfareAdvises
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Constitutional body under Article 263.
  • Apex advisory to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
  • Comprises Union & State/UT Health Ministers.
  • Reviews health policies and programmes.
  • Key mechanism for cooperative federalism in health.

Elimination traps

Constitutional vs statutoryIt is a constitutional body (Article 263), not a statutory body.

Check if created by Constitution or by Parliament.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Indian Polity & GovernanceFederalismPublic Health

Union Ministry of Health to Convene 16th Conference of the Central Council of Health and Family Welfare on 29th June at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi

27 Jun 2026 · The CCHFW is a constitutional body (Art. 263) serving as the apex advisory council for health and family welfare, fostering Centre-State cooperation in policy implementation and review.

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Related topics

Current topic

Central Council of Health and Family Welfare (CCHFW)

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Central Council of Health and Family Welfare (CCHFW) in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.