On Universal Health Coverage Day 2024, Paul Abraham, President, Hinduja Foundation highlights that with universal primary care spearheaded by the National Health Mission and Ayushman Bharat, the government has covered a lot of ground very quickly towards universal health coverage. Some areas/lacunae though, may not be fixed in the short term. Availability of high-quality healthcare facilities and systemic leakages have been a hard battle to win and will need a lot more than the right intent and technology to address
India stands at a pivotal moment as it aspires to become a developed nation by 2047. The healthcare sector is central to this vision, necessitating significant enhancements in infrastructure to ensure universal access to quality healthcare.
Current challenges
India’s healthcare system faces several challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of healthcare professionals, and high out-of-pocket expenses. The FICCI-EY report highlights the need for 3 million more hospital beds and over 5 million doctors by 2047. Further, about 60 per cent of health expenditures are out-of-pocket, significantly higher than in countries like China and Brazil.
Global initiatives for inspiration
To strengthen India’s healthcare infrastructure, we can draw inspiration from successful global initiatives:
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Singapore’s health system: Singapore combines public and private healthcare, effectively offering high-quality services while maintaining affordability. This model can guide India in balancing public health initiatives with private sector involvement.
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WHO’s global health initiatives: Programs aimed at combating diseases like malaria and tuberculosis have shown how targeted efforts can yield significant health improvements. India can replicate these strategies for its public health challenges.
With universal primary care spearheaded by the National Health Mission and Ayushman Bharat, the government has covered a lot of ground very quickly towards universal health coverage. Some areas/lacunae though, may not be fixed in the short term. Availability of high-quality healthcare facilities and systemic leakages have been a hard battle to win and will need a lot more than the right intent and technology to address.
Steps forward
1. Infrastructure development
To achieve universal access, India must invest heavily in healthcare infrastructure:
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Increase hospital capacity: Along with adding physical infrastructure, there is an acute need to incentivise medical professionals to work in rural or semi-urban areas. Many civil and district hospitals set up by successive governments lie underutilised due to a lack of skilled manpower. Matching the right infrastructure to skilled professionals, who are paid higher than in urban centres will likely bring good talent to the hinterland.
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Digital health initiatives: While COVID did accelerate the acceptance of telemedicine, little has been done over the last 3 years to expand telemedicine services in underserved regions. Primary care through telemedicine will connect the health seekers to the nearest appropriate facility.
2. Workforce expansion
A robust healthcare workforce is essential:
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Medical education: Establishing a medical college in every district will increase the number of trained professionals.
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Incentives for rural service: Offering incentives for healthcare professionals to work in rural areas can address the urban-rural disparity in healthcare access.
3. Policy reforms
Policy changes are crucial for sustainable growth:
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Universal health insurance: Expanding schemes like Ayushman Bharat will ensure that all citizens have health coverage
Public funding increase: The government aims to raise health expenditure from 1 per cent to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2025, which should be prioritised to improve infrastructure and services.
4. Leveraging pharma leadership
India’s pharma industry is a global leader in affordable medication:
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Exporting healthcare services: By enhancing our healthcare system, India can become a hub for medical tourism and telehealth services, globally.
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Research and development: Investing in R&D will improve local healthcare while positioning India as a leader in innovative treatments.
Conclusion
As we look towards 2047, strengthening India’s healthcare infrastructure is paramount for achieving universal access to quality services. By learning from global best practices and implementing strategic reforms, India can create a resilient healthcare system that not only meets the needs of its population but also sets an example for the world. This vision requires collaboration between government, private sectors, and philanthropic organisations to ensure none are left behind in our journey towards a healthier future.