Present Healthcare in India that one should know about

 

Present Healthcare in India

India's healthcare system is a crucial aspect of the nation's development and well-being. In recent years, the country has made significant strides in improving healthcare accessibility and quality for its citizens. This article will explore the current state of healthcare in India, highlighting key areas of focus and potential areas for improvement.

1.The Indian public health sector encompasses 18% of total outpatient care and 44% of total inpatient care.

2.According to the National Health Profile, India has only 0.9 beds per 1000 population and out of which only 30% are in rural areas. NOT ONLY BED SHORTAGE,BUT EVEN   basic equipment and ALLIED PROFESSIONALS DEFICIT.

3. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major health challenge in India, accounting for more than 60% of all deaths in the country-cancer, diabetes, and heart disease &MENTAL DISORDERS.

4. pollution of air,water& food are major causes of poor health in India. 

5. High out-of-pocket expenditure remains a stress factor.

The Challenges

India's healthcare system faces numerous challenges, ranging from inadequate infrastructure to limited resources. One of the primary challenges is the insufficient number of healthcare facilities, especially in rural areas. This disparity in healthcare infrastructure creates a significant gap in accessibility for individuals residing in remote regions.

Access to Affordable Healthcare

Affordability remains a major concern in healthcare provision. Many Indians still struggle to afford essential medical services, especially those living below the poverty line. The cost of healthcare can be a significant burden for individuals and families, leading to delayed or inadequate treatment.

Quality of Care

While progress has been made, there are still concerns about the quality of healthcare services in India. The availability of skilled healthcare professionals, adherence to best practices, and the use of modern medical equipment are vital aspects of ensuring quality care. Addressing these issues is crucial for the overall improvement of healthcare delivery.

Initiatives and Progress

Despite the challenges, India has implemented several initiatives to enhance healthcare services across the country. The National Health Mission (NHM), for example, focuses on improving access to quality healthcare in rural areas. Additionally, the Ayushman Bharat scheme aims to provide health insurance coverage to vulnerable sections of society, offering financial protection against high medical expenses.

Government Initiatives

• In the Union Budget 2022-23:Rs. 86,200.65 crore (US$ 11.28 billion) was allocated to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
• Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) was allocated Rs. 10,000 crore (US$ 1.31 billion)Human Resources for Health and Medical Education was allotted Rs. 7,500 crore . 
• The National Health Mission was allotted Rs. 37,000 crore. 
• Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) was allotted Rs. 6,412 crore (US$ 840.32 million).
• In September 2021, Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi launched the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. 
  • The mission will connect the digital health solutions of hospitals across the country with each other. Under this, every citizen will now get a digital health ID and their health record will be digitally protected.
•  The Ministry of Health has issued guidelines to states to establish a public health cadre.

Health System in India 

• Healthcare has become one of India’s largest sectors, both in terms of revenue and employment. 
• The Indian healthcare sector is growing at a brisk pace due to its strengthening coverage, services and increasing expenditure by public as well private players.
• India’s healthcare delivery system is categorised into two major components public and private. 
  • The government, i.e. public healthcare system, comprises limited secondary and tertiary care institutions in key cities and focuses on providing basic healthcare facilities in the form of primary healthcare centres (PHCs) in rural areas. 
  • The private sector provides a majority of secondary, tertiary, and Quaternary care institutions with major concentration in metros and tier-I and tier-II cities.

Future Perspectives

As India moves forward, there are key areas to consider for further progress. These include investment in healthcare infrastructure, capacity-building of healthcare professionals, and the effective implementation of innovative healthcare technologies. By addressing these aspects, India can achieve a more comprehensive and inclusive healthcare system that caters to the needs of its diverse population.

Conclusion and Way Forward 

• There is an urgency to focus on all the three levels of primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare, it is imperative that the government look towards improving primary health care as a public good.
• The lesson emerging most unequivocally from the pandemic experience is that if India does not want a repeat of the immeasurable suffering and the social and economic loss, we need to make public health a central focus. 
• There is also a need to declutter policy dialogue and provide clarity to the nomenclatures. 
• India needs to move beyond the doctor-led system and paramedicalise several functions.

India's healthcare system is undergoing a transformative phase, with ongoing efforts to improve accessibility, affordability, and quality. While there are challenges that need to be addressed, India's commitment to healthcare reform is evident. By prioritizing investments and implementing targeted initiatives, India has the potential to become a global leader in healthcare.

Is India's healthcare system ready to meet the diverse healthcare needs of its population? Share your thoughts in the comments below!