India’s Public Health: Challenges and Policy Gaps in India’s Public Health and Way Forward

Abstract

Achieving equitable health care for all individuals is imperative for the establishment of a healthy society. A nation that mitigates the financial burden associated with health care while emphasizing preventive measures not only enhances public health outcomes but also contributes to the stability of its population. India follows a multi-payer universal healthcare framework. To assess the overall health of a country’s citizens, several key health indicators have been established. They play a critical role in understanding health conditions and guiding policy decisions aimed at improving health outcomes. In India, these indicators are shaped by a variety of geographical, cultural, and socio-economic factors. They are crucial for policy formulation by assisting policymakers in identifying health priorities and allocating resources effectively and monitoring progress by tracking advancements toward health objectives. Despite progress, India’s healthcare sector continues to face several challenges. A segment of the population lives under the poverty line, which restricts access to health care. There are inadequate health infrastructure facilities in rural and remote areas. The Indian healthcare sector has experienced significant growth over the years, driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and improving patient outcomes. The government is working toward health care for all. Primary health care enhances the performance of health systems by reducing overall healthcare expenditure while improving population health and access. Reforms in the healthcare system should be monitored with indicators that reflect the core characteristics of primary health care. However, the government will have to increase the budget for health care to achieve healthcare access for all citizens of India.