"The Economic Impact of Public Health Initiatives in India: Examining the Link to GDP Growth"

According to recent statistics, the healthcare sector was estimated to be around $8000 Billion for the Financial Year 2021 which was expected to grow around $18K crore BN by 2027.

With a Similar case instance with Telemedicine, a crucial step under E-Health, it is expected to grow to the $5BN threshold by 2025.

Challenges About Public Health:-

1. Accessibility- Governing to accessibility According to, Global Standards there should be at least 3 beds per thousand population, While in India even the best-performing state Kerala has just 1 bed among 900 people. Worst Case Scenario- Bihar has 1 bed for over 8000 people and Uttar Pradesh has the same bed for over 3500 people.
   

2. Disparity- India's health system faces the ongoing challenge of responding to the needs of the most disadvantaged members of Indian society. Despite progress in improving access to health care, inequalities by socioeconomic status, geography, and gender continue to persist.
   

3. Preventive Care- Lack of affordability of Bionomics and vaccines during the requirement of special care. The Indian healthcare system often prioritizes curative care over preventive care. The system may need to shift its focus to preventive healthcare measures, such as early detection, health education, and vaccination programs.
   

4. Pharmaceutical- The industry faces USFDA pressure and a rising number of inspections, which impact the market value and overall image of pharmaceutical companies. Government control over drug pricing, although beneficial for citizens' access to affordable drugs, hampers innovation.
   

5. Funding- India is currently spending only up to 2.1% of its GDP which is a downfall as compared to spending in Western Countries such as Canada who spend more than 10% of their GDP.
   

6. Policy Making- Policymaking hinders focusing on particular sectors for policies such as Children, adolescents, Adults, Maternal health, Geriatric health, Anganwadis, etc.
   

7. Fake Doctors- India still grapples with a shortage of Medical Staff as depicted by more than 46.7% vacancies seen for specialists in rural community health centers. This accounts for honest medico-staff who are registered, Recent statistics revealed that almost 20 percent of all deaths during treatment in India involved the participation of a fake doctor. This statistic is truly alarming!
   

India's healthcare system includes many schemes and programs, including:

• National Health Mission (NHM): Launched in 2013, this program includes the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM).

• Communicable diseases: Includes programs such as the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP), and the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP).

• Ayushman Bharat: The Ayushman Bharat Yojana, now called the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), aims to be one of the world's largest health insurance schemes. It aims to offer a health insurance plan of Rs. 5 lakh annually per family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization, benefiting over 12 crore vulnerable families.

• Medical tourism: A key element of India's healthcare system. 
  

Some other healthcare schemes and programs include:

• Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) Scheme

• National Health Assurance Mission (NHAM)

• Infant mortality rate

• National Ayush Mission

• Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMBSY) 
  

India also has some of the latest medical technologies, including robotic surgery, artificial intelligence, telemedicine, 3D printing, and innovative wound care devices. 

A healthy citizenry is the foundation of a prosperous society. It's time for India to prioritize and strengthen its healthcare infrastructure for a brighter tomorrow!