HEALTHCARE IN INDIA

NATIONAL HEALTH POLICY 2017

  • The National Health Policy 2017 was introduced after 15 years to address emerging healthcare challenges in India.
  • It was approved by the Cabinet on 15th March 2017.
  • This policy provides a framework for improving healthcare in the country with a focus on preventive care, accessibility, quality of care, and affordability.

KEY OBJECTIVES

  • Increase Public Health Expenditure: Raise government health expenditure progressively to 5% of GDP by 2025.
  • Comprehensive Primary Healthcare: Expand the reach of primary healthcare through Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) to ensure universal access to quality health services.
  • Financial Protection: Ensure healthcare access without financial hardship.
  • Focus on Primary Healthcare: Allocate two-thirds of resources to primary care, which includes preventive and promotive
  • Partnership with Private Sector: Leverage private sector expertise to fill healthcare gaps and improve service delivery.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE POLICY

  • Assurance-Based Approach: The policy focuses on providing progressive assurance for healthcare with an emphasis on preventive care.
  • Health Card System: A health card links patients to a defined package of services at primary care facilities across the country.
  • Patient-Centric Approach: Introduces medical tribunals for addressing grievances related to healthcare standards, prices, negligence, etc.
  • Micronutrient Deficiency: Focus on reducing micronutrient malnutrition, particularly in underprivileged regions.
  • Quality of Care: Public health institutions undergo periodic assessments for quality standards.
  • Make-in-India for Healthcare Products: Incentivize the production of indigenous healthcare products to meet domestic needs.
  • Digital Health: Push for the adoption of digital tools for improving healthcare outcomes, with an integrated health information system for better transparency and efficiency.
  • Private Sector Engagement: Strengthen private sector involvement for critical gap filling and achievement of national health goals.

Financial Support:

  • The government allocated Rs. 47,352.51 crores under the Union Budget 2017-18, marking a 27.7% increase in the previous year's budget allocation for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.