Increased in spending for Healthcare sector in India

Context

The Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, while addressing the Rajya Sabha, highlighted the government’s policy shift closer to a complete and inclusive healthcare version under the National Health Policy 2017.

Background

India’s healthcare system has evolved from a healing method (post-disease remedy) to a preventive and holistic method (early detection and well being merchandising). 

• Key Milestones in Healthcare Development:

• • 1946 – Bhore Committee recommends regular healthcare.
  • 1983 – First National Health Policy (NHP) prioritizes primary health.
  • 2005 – National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) released.
  • 2017 – National Health Policy (NHP) shifts awareness from curative to preventive healthcare.
  • 2018 – Ayushman Bharat launched, marking a paradigm shift.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that countries spend at the least 5% of GDP on healthcare.

Healthcare Sector of India

• Healthcare Sector: It comprises hospitals, medical devices, clinical trials, outsourcing, telemedicine, medical tourism, health insurance and medical system. 
• Public Sector: It incorporates constrained secondary and tertiary care institutions in key cities and focuses on presenting fundamental healthcare facilities in the form of Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) in rural areas. 
• Private Sector: The private sector provides the majority of secondary, tertiary, and quaternary care institutions with a major attention in metros, tier-I, and tier-II cities.
• The Ministry contains: The Department of Health and Family Welfare, that is responsible for imposing public health schemes and regulating scientific training,

Concerns with Low Public Expenditure on Healthcare

• Limited Access to Healthcare Services: Low public spending hampers accessibility to healthcare services, especially in rural and remote areas where infrastructure is already missing.
• Neglected Preventive and Primary Care: A large share of healthcare spending in India is directed towards tertiary care, neglecting preventive and primary healthcare services. 
• Higher Disease Burden: Low public spending on healthcare contributes to a higher burden of preventable diseases including communicable diseases, malnutrition, and maternal and infant health issues. 
• Increased Out-of-Pocket Expenditure: The lack of public healthcare infrastructure has led people to use private health services more, and that has accelerated the financial burden on citizens.  

Recent steps Taken by the Government for Strengthening Healthcare Sector

• National Health Policy 2017: It outlines the government’s vision to acquire the very best possible stage of health and well-being for all and emphasizes preventive and promotive healthcare.
• Ayushman Arogya Mandirs: 1.75 lakh health centers functioning with 369 crore visits.
• National Digital Health Mission (NDHM): Launched in 2020, NDHM aims to create a digital health environment, inclusive of health IDs for residents and the establishment of a national digital health infrastructure.
• Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs): The government is running in the direction of remodeling primary health facilities into HWCs to offer comprehensive primary healthcare services, including preventive and promotive care.
• Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY): PMSSY goals to enhance tertiary care capacities and support medical education within the country by setting up new AIIMS establishments and upgrading current government medical faculties.
• Research and Development Initiatives: The government has been encouraging studies and development in healthcare, including support for the improvement of vaccines, tablets, and medical technology.
• National Medical Commission (NMC) Act: The NMC Act, passed in 2019, aims to deliver reforms in scientific education and exercise by replacing the Medical Council of India (MCI) and selling transparency and duty.
• Jan Aushadhi Scheme: The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) targets to offer high-quality standard drug treatments at low priced fees via Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

Way Ahead

• The COVID-19 pandemic had proven the cracks in India’s health system and highlighted the need for expanded public investment in healthcare. 
• Effective primary health care can prevent the prevalence of more critical health issues, that means that universal health effects may be advanced notably through investing in primary healthcare.

Source: The Indian Express

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. (2021)

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