Status of Health Sector in India

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aaushadi Kendra Scheme (PM- BJAKS) was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals which ensure quality generated medicines are available at affordable prices to all citizens.

Factors of the Health Sector in India:-

1. Employment

2. Income

3. Hospitals

4. Infrastructure

5. Medical Devices

6. Clinical trials

7. Medical Tourism

8. Health Insurance

9. Public

10. Private

11. Medical Equipment

According to the Economic Survey of 2022-23 India has spent 2.1% of its GDP in the Health Sector. Against 1.6% in FY-21.

Many statistics prove that the health sector in India has shown improvement such as:-

The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) in India has gone down from 146 in 1951 to 28 in 2020. As well the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) has also declined to 7.8% in 2016-18.

Yet, the Health sector in India still faces some challenges to meet its efficiency due to lack of adequate health infrastructure.

As According to a study presented in parliament by the Health Minister, India is short by almost 6 lakh doctors in 2019.

Issues and concerns of the Health Sector:-

1. Lack of Infrastructure

2. Inadequate funding

3. Fake doctors

4. Policymaking

5. Less emphasis on medical research

6. Medical workforce shortage

7. Out of Pocket expenditure

8. No focus on preventive care

9. Access to basic healthcare services:

• Lack of financing for research

• Lack of qualified medical personnel

• Lack of quality assurance

According to the 15th Finance Commission, every allopathic doctor caters to around 1511 patients. However, by WHO standards he shows a lack of workforce. As well there is a shortage of a clean nurse workforce as currently in India the nurse to patients ratio is 1:670 which is much higher than what the WHO had prescribed of 1:300.

2018 National Health Profile which estimates the Doctor Practitioner ratio shows 1 Doctor to 11000 people which is a skyrocket view.

Policymaking and Public Health Participation should be more diverted towards Proactive Healthcare rather than Reactive Healthcare.

As well Health is a State subject according to the 7th schedule of our Indian Constitution. So, State governments should make planning and schemes related to health concerning their respective state ideology.

Some main Government initiatives towards these are as follows:-

• Ayushman Bharat scheme

1. Health and wellness center

2. Secondary and tertiary care hospitalization

3. National health protection mission.

• National Ayush Mission

1. Aims to provide Traditional Medicines

• National Health Mission

1. National Rural Health Mission

2. National Urban Health Mission.

• Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aaushadhi Pariyojana Kendra- Generic drugs.

Measures required in Health Sector:-

1. Infrastructure in Public Hospitals can provide affordable healthcare quality.

2. Focus on private hospitals

3. Increased efficiency by increasing medical personnel

4. Utilization of technology by - Telemedicine and mobile healthcare apps, etc.

5. Spreading awareness of the importance of early detection and diagnosing with proper medication can reduce considerable out-of-pocket expenditure.

6. Network of Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs)- comprehensive PHC.