India’s healthcare system is a complex structure that blends public and private initiatives. From the government’s perspective, it is designed to achieve universal health coverage (UHC), balancing affordability, accessibility, and quality care for all citizens. Below is an overview of the system and its guiding principles.
1. Structure and Governance of Indian Healthcare System (Government)
The government manages healthcare through a tiered system:
- Primary Level:
- Includes Sub-Centers (SCs) and Primary Health Centers (PHCs).
- Focuses on preventive care, maternal and child health, and basic outpatient services.
- Secondary Level:
- Comprises Community Health Centers (CHCs) and District Hospitals (DHs).
- Offers specialist services and acts as referral points for PHCs.
- Tertiary Level:
- Encompasses specialised hospitals like AIIMS and regional institutes.
- Delivers advanced care, including multi-specialty treatment and research.
2. Some of the key Government Initiatives
The government continuously updates its policies and programs to strengthen healthcare delivery:
a. Ayushman Bharat Program (PMJAY)
- Includes Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs/ Ayushman Arogya Mandir) and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY).
- HWCs deliver comprehensive primary care.
- PMJAY provides Rs 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care for BPL & Senior Citizens
b. ASHA Workers: The Frontline Heroes
Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) are community health workers important to rural healthcare. Their responsibilities include:
- Promoting maternal and child health.
- Facilitating immunization drives.
- Raising awareness about nutrition, hygiene, and family planning.
ASHAs are a cornerstone of community outreach under programs like the National Health Mission (NHM).
c. National Health Mission (NHM)
- Integrates the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and National Urban Health Mission (NUHM).
- Focuses mainly on maternal health, immunisation, and reducing mortality rates.
d. AYUSH: Reviving Traditional Medicine
The Ministry of AYUSH promotes traditional systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. It aims to integrate these practices into the mainstream to provide holistic healthcare solutions. Initiatives include:
- Setting up AYUSH wellness centers.
- Research on traditional medicine’s role in addressing NCDs and mental health.
3. Government Spending on Healthcare
Public health spending has traditionally been low, however, there is a push to increase it to 2.5% of GDP under the National Health Policy 2017.
Efforts include:
- Increasing allocations for infrastructure and human resources.
- Expanding access through Government schemes
- Incentivising private participation in rural healthcare.
4. Some of Challenges – Healthcare in India
Despite progress, several challenges persist:
- Workforce Shortages: Many rural CHCs lack specialists.
- Infrastructure Deficits: Many PHCs operate without proper facilities or equipment.
- Regional Inequality: Healthcare outcomes vary significantly between states.
- Disease Burden: Growing cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health issues.
- Affordability Issues: High out-of-pocket expenditure remains a major concern.
5. Vision for the Future
The Indian government envisions:
- Universal Health Coverage: Ensuring every citizen has access to quality healthcare services.
- Digital Transformation: Accelerating telemedicine and AI-driven diagnostics.
- Preventive Care Focus: Reducing the disease burden through lifestyle interventions and early screenings.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Leveraging private investments for infrastructure and innovation.
Highlights from National Health Policy 2017
The National Health Policy (NHP) 2017 provides a roadmap for achieving UHC. Its key focus areas include:
- Health Financing: Increasing public health expenditure to 2.5% of GDP.
- Preventive Healthcare: Strengthening awareness campaigns around proactive healthcare to reduce the disease burden.
- Digital Health: Promoting telemedicine and electronic health records.
- Equity and Inclusion: Addressing healthcare access disparities among marginalised communities
From the government’s perspective, India’s healthcare system is evolving to address gaps in access, equity, and quality. Schemes like Ayushman Bharat, the contributions of ASHA workers, the integration of AYUSH practices, and the strategic direction of the National Health Policy 2017 reflect a holistic approach to healthcare. While challenges persist, innovative policies and sustained investments can help achieve universal, affordable, and equitable healthcare for all.
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Disclaimer
This article is for basic information purposes only and aims to provide a general understanding of the Indian healthcare system. While efforts have been made to cover some of the important healthcare policies and programs but readers are encouraged to consult official Indian Government websites or authoritative sources for the most up-to-date and accurate details.
