Transforming Healthcare in Bharat: A Decade of Ambitious Initiatives
Over the past decade, Bharat (India) has embarked on a monumental journey to revolutionize its health sector. Through a series of unprecedented initiatives aimed at speed and scale, the Indian government has worked tirelessly to enhance healthcare infrastructure and delivery systems. This transformative push has significantly improved access, affordability, and quality of healthcare across the nation.
A Citizen-Centric Healthcare System
At the heart of these reforms lies a vision for a citizen-centric healthcare system that is inclusive and holistic. The focus is to ensure that every individual, irrespective of socio-economic status, has access to health services that are not only accessible but also affordable and of high quality. The government recognizes that health is a fundamental right and has made it a national imperative to create a supportive healthcare environment that caters to all inhabitants of Bharat.
Ayushman Bharat: A Landmark Initiative
One of the cornerstones of this transformation is the launch of the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PMJAY) in 2018. Marking a significant leap forward, PMJAY is recognized as the world’s largest health assurance scheme, which provides financial protection of ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. The scheme covers a vast network of over 30,000 hospitals, including more than 13,000 private institutions, ensuring that beneficiaries have a variety of options for treatment.
This ambitious initiative currently serves approximately 55 crore individuals, catering to 12.34 crore families. The statistics speak volumes about its success: the scheme has authorized over 7.8 crore hospital admissions, amassing a total expenditure of over ₹1 lakh crore. Recently, the government announced the inclusion of all senior citizens aged 70 and above, broadening the scheme’s reach to an additional 4.5 crore families and approximately 6 crore senior citizens, thus ensuring that even the most vulnerable members of society have access to cashless healthcare services.
Building Critical Infrastructure
Under the Ayushman Bharat umbrella, the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) was launched in 2021, with an ambitious outlay of ₹64,000 crore over six years. The primary objective of this mission is to bolster healthcare infrastructure, facilitate research, and enhance pandemic preparedness. The plan includes the establishment of 575 critical care hospital blocks, equating to more than 35,000 beds dedicated to critical care.
Moreover, PM-ABHIM aims to create over 2,000 block-level public health units, 700 integrated public health laboratories at district levels, and numerous national and regional medical institutes. This comprehensive approach not only addresses the immediate healthcare needs of the population but also sets up a robust framework for future public health challenges.
Innovative Health Technology Platforms
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of technology in healthcare delivery. The rollout of the CoWIN platform facilitated the administration of over 220 crore vaccine doses, exemplifying the efficacy of technology in crisis response. Building on this success, the government has introduced the U-WIN web portal to streamline the vaccination process for pregnant women and children up to 17 years of age under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
This new digital platform offers features such as self-registration, automated SMS alerts, and QR-coded e-vaccination certificates, showcasing India’s commitment to modernizing its healthcare approach through technology. By offering ‘anytime access’ to vaccination services in multiple languages, the initiative aims to further improve public participation and trust in healthcare services.
Embracing Holistic Healthcare
A unique feature of Bharat’s health strategy is its emphasis on holistic healthcare. Recognizing the significance of both modern and traditional medical systems, the government promotes an integrative approach that fosters harmony among various healthcare methods. Recent surveys indicate that nearly 50% of the populace has utilized ayurvedic treatments, highlighting the acceptance of traditional practices.
The Ayush sector is rapidly growing due to dedicated policy support, research, and international collaborations. With projections estimating a market potential of $200 billion within five years, significant infrastructural advancements and global outreach initiatives continue to drive this sector forward. The launch of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar further underscores the commitment to traditional medicine and wellness.
Commitment to Universal Health Coverage
The extensive efforts in healthcare transformation over the past decade portray the Indian government’s unwavering resolve to develop a health system that not only ensures Universal Health Coverage (UHC) but also meets international benchmarks in terms of outreach, quality, and health outcomes. The initiatives undertaken reflect a holistic strategy aimed at fostering a healthier population and enhancing the overall quality of life in Bharat.
In conclusion, the past decade has witnessed an extraordinary transformation in Bharat’s healthcare landscape, characterized by an ambitious vision, strategic initiatives, and a citizen-centric approach. With the government poised to continue its relentless efforts, the future of healthcare in Bharat looks promising.
The writer is Member (Health) NITI Aayog. Views expressed are personal.
