In India, healthcare expenditure accounts for only 2.5 percent of total government expenditure, which is extremely low when compared to most economically developed countries around the world. Therefore, it must be increased to 5%. These statements were made by Dr. DK Gupta, Chairman of Felix Hospital. Regarding the upcoming Budget 2024-25, he stated that the Corona epidemic revealed a significant disparity in the quality of healthcare in villages and urban areas, and the government and private healthcare systems.
As a result, it is critical to take the necessary steps to address the challenges that the country’s government healthcare system going through. India has many achievements to its name in the healthcare sector. The government should implement new measures to improve universal health coverage and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
To create a strong health ecosystem, invest in infrastructure, human resources, service delivery mechanisms, and technology. The entire budget allocation should be spent, with the majority of it directed towards primary care. Healthcare services in India are inadequate when compared to developed countries. To improve it, both public and private investments must be increased. New healthcare institutions should get interest and tax exemptions on loans.
To increase the production of medical devices, the government should reduce the basic customs duty, which is currently high. If the right policy is implemented, the current high reliance on imports of medical devices, similar to consumer electronics, can be reduced. All devices should be subject to at least a GST tax.
Medical, skilled, and nursing education must be improved. Essential medicines should be made GST-free. Important health equipment such as CT, MRI, and Cathlab should be duty-free.
The hospital sector should be improved in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. PPP models should be used to provide affordable and accessible health care. Liberalisation of private insurance and medicines is necessary. NABH, NABL, and JCI accreditation should be promoted.
According to statistics, approximately 60% of the world’s vaccines are manufactured in India. UNICEF relies heavily on India for vaccines in the Global Health Programme. More than 220 crore Covid-19 vaccines have been distributed in the country.
India is also the world’s largest exporter of generic medicines, but its health-care achievements are limited. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are only 0.5 hospital beds per thousand people in India. There are only 1.25 lakh ICU beds for 143 crore people. The number of doctors and health workers is also very low by global standards. Therefore, the health budget must be increased.
