Healthcare Vision for Viksit Bharat 2047 - Current Status and Plan of Action (POA)

Written By Kolhanta Aarogya Foundation

1. Introduction

India's healthcare vision for 2047, encapsulated under the theme "One Earth One Health," aims to ensure "Wellness and Welfare for Everyone," emphasizing physical, mental, and social well-being. The government's commitment is driven by the lessons learned from past challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need for universal, affordable, and high-quality healthcare. This report presents 15 key recommendations for achieving "Health for All" by 2047.

2. Infrastructure Development

India's healthcare infrastructure requires significant expansion:

  • Medical Colleges: India has 788 districts, but only about 500 have medical colleges. It's imperative to establish at least one medical college with a 500-bedded hospital in every district to ensure access to secondary and tertiary care.

  • Dispensaries: India has 26,400 dispensaries serving semi-urban and urban areas. These facilities need proper geographical spread and upgrades in terms of healthcare infrastructure, nursing, and paramedical staff.

3. Addressing Healthcare Workforce Shortage

  • Doctors: India faces a severe shortage of doctors with a ratio of 1:1500. Medical education seats (MBBS and PG) must be increased to meet the needs of a developed India, while addressing controversies around the NEET exam.

  • Nurses: India has 1,936 nursing colleges, but 40% of districts are still underserved. Every medical college should be complemented with a nursing college to fill this gap.

  • Paramedical Staff: There is a significant shortage of trained paramedical personnel. Institutions must be created or upgraded to provide skill development in allied healthcare sectors.

4. Technology and Innovation in Healthcare

India’s future healthcare landscape will heavily rely on technological advancements:

  • Super Specialty Facilities: Expanding super-specialty hospitals and embracing technologies like robotic surgery, stem cell research, and AI-driven diagnostics are critical for advanced medical care.

  • Telemedicine: Remote consultation and telemedicine can transform primary healthcare, addressing challenges like the shortage of doctors in rural areas.

  • Medical Devices: Equipping primary health centers (PHCs) and district hospitals with modern medical devices will decentralize testing and improve diagnostics.

5. Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Chain

Efficient and transparent medicine procurement is crucial:

  • Medicine Distribution: There is a need for an automated system to manage medicine shortages and replenishment at healthcare centers. Quality control and strict inspections should address the availability of fake medicines.

  • Medical Tourism: India’s potential as a medical tourism hub should be further developed, with facilities specifically catering to international patients, without compromising care for domestic patients.

6. Mental and Geriatric Health

  • Mental Health: With increasing urbanization and stress, mental health care needs more focus. District hospitals must offer mental healthcare facilities, and public awareness on holistic lifestyles must be emphasized.

  • Geriatric Care: With an aging population, creating exclusive geriatric care centers is essential to address the healthcare needs of senior citizens.

7. Medical Education Reforms

The medical education system must be reformed to meet future demands:

  • Private Medical Colleges: Regulatory oversight on private medical colleges must be strengthened through mandatory grading systems and regular inspections to ensure quality education.

  • Forex Outflow: Reducing the need for Indian students to study abroad for basic medical education by improving local medical institutions will save significant foreign exchange.

8. AYUSH and Traditional Medicine

The AYUSH system, encompassing non-allopathic medicine, requires a scientific and evidence-based approach to gain global recognition. Research and clinical trials must validate traditional treatments to ensure public trust.

9. Healthcare Startups and Innovations

Startups play a critical role in addressing healthcare gaps:

  • Innovations: Startups like Qure.ai (AI for tuberculosis detection) and PM Mahila Kisan Drone Kendra (drone-based medicine distribution) are examples of technology-driven solutions improving healthcare access.

  • Healthcare Access: Several organizations are driving community health improvements through enhanced nutrition, hygiene, and last-mile delivery of healthcare services.

10. Conclusion

India's healthcare journey towards 2047 requires a multifaceted approach with emphasis on infrastructure, workforce development, technology, regulatory reforms, and public-private partnerships. By embracing innovation, improving medical education, and expanding healthcare coverage, India can realize its vision of universal healthcare. This vision aligns with the National Health Policy 2017 and addresses demographic, epidemiologic, and technological transitions that the country will undergo in the coming decades.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/

Kolhanta Aarogya Foundation
Previous

Challenges and Implications of India's Aging Population: Insights from the India Ageing Report 2023
Next

DELHI AROGYA KOSH