Healthcare and Family Wellness
Healthcare and wellness are integral to India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. A robust and inclusive healthcare system is not only a reflection of a nation’s development but also a prerequisite for sustained economic growth and social stability. While India has made remarkable strides in healthcare access and services, significant gaps and challenges remain that must be addressed to achieve universal healthcare and wellness for all its citizens.
Current Scenario
India has one of the largest public healthcare systems in the world, with schemes like Ayushman Bharat providing health coverage to over 500 million people. The country has also demonstrated global leadership in pharmaceutical production, being known as the “pharmacy of the world.” However, healthcare infrastructure remains unevenly distributed, with rural areas often lacking adequate facilities and skilled professionals. India’s doctor-to-patient ratio is below WHO recommendations, and public health expenditure, currently around 2.1% of GDP, is far lower than the global average of 5-6%.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer are on the rise, contributing to over 60% of deaths in India. Simultaneously, communicable diseases like tuberculosis and malaria continue to pose challenges. Mental health, an often-overlooked aspect of wellness, requires significant attention, with stigma and lack of resources impeding progress.
Requirements for Improvement
To meet its healthcare and wellness goals by 2047, India must focus on the following areas:
- Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure
- Build more primary healthcare centers and district hospitals in underserved rural and semi-urban areas.
- Increase the availability of skilled healthcare professionals through targeted training programs and incentives for rural postings.
- Increasing Public Health Expenditure
- Raise public health expenditure to at least 4-5% of GDP by 2030 to bridge existing gaps in healthcare delivery.
- Ensure efficient allocation of resources to maximize impact, especially for marginalized communities.
- Addressing Non-Communicable and Communicable Diseases
- Implement large-scale awareness programs to promote lifestyle changes and preventive healthcare measures to combat NCDs.
- Strengthen surveillance systems and vaccination drives to tackle communicable diseases effectively.
- Focusing on Mental Health
- Normalize mental health conversations and combat stigma through awareness campaigns.
- Develop a comprehensive mental health infrastructure, including helplines, counseling services, and specialized treatment facilities.
- Leveraging Technology and Innovation
- Utilize telemedicine and digital health platforms to improve healthcare access in remote areas.
- Encourage R&D in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices to drive innovation and self-reliance.
- Promoting Traditional Medicine and Wellness
- Integrate AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) practices with modern medicine to provide holistic healthcare solutions.
- Foster global acceptance of traditional Indian wellness practices like yoga and meditation.
- Ensuring Universal Health Coverage
- Expand the scope of Ayushman Bharat to cover more treatments and ensure better hospital reimbursement rates.
- Develop a robust regulatory framework to prevent overcharging and ensure quality care in private healthcare settings.
Global Trends and Opportunities
India’s demographic dividend presents an opportunity to build a healthier workforce capable of driving economic growth. Additionally, India’s leadership in vaccine production and pharmaceutical exports can be leveraged to strengthen global healthcare partnerships. However, global challenges such as climate change and pandemics necessitate resilient healthcare systems that can adapt to evolving threats.
Vision for 2047
By 2047, India must aim to establish itself as a global leader in healthcare innovation and service delivery. This vision entails universal access to affordable, quality healthcare, a robust infrastructure resilient to public health emergencies, and a population empowered with knowledge about preventive healthcare. Through focused policies and collaborative efforts, Vision Viksit Bharat can transform India’s healthcare and wellness landscape, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey toward a developed nation.
If you share our vision for a healthier India and wish to contribute to this initiative, we warmly invite you to join the Health & Wellness Dimension of Vision Viksit Bharat.
To participate, please fill out the Joining Form and become a part of this movement towards a developed India.