• UGI USER
  • Apr 08, 2024
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SHAPING INDIA’S PATH TO INCLUSIVE HEALTH CARE

Syllabus:

  • GS 2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Focus:

  • World Health Day (April 7) emphasizes health equity as a fundamental human right, especially crucial amidst global health crises.
Source: The Quint

Understanding Health Equity:

  • Health equity ensures equal opportunity for everyone to achieve optimal health, regardless of social, economic, or environmental factors.
  • It addresses root causes like poverty, discrimination, and limited access to education, clean water, and housing.
  • True health equity goes beyond equal access to healthcare, acknowledging the impact of social determinants on health outcomes.
  • It requires comprehensive strategies that tackle systemic barriers and disparities, not just legislative reforms.
  • Achieving health equity demands collective efforts from governments, communities, and individuals to dismantle obstacles to health access and outcomes.

Challenges to Health Equity:

  • Global challenges such as pandemics, climate change, and conflicts disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
  • India’s diverse population and socioeconomic disparities exacerbate health inequalities, particularly in rural areas.
  • Urban slums face serious health disparities due to overcrowding, poor sanitation, and limited access to clean water.
  • Disparities across caste, gender, and economic status contribute to differential health outcomes, with higher rates of infectious and non-communicable diseases among vulnerable groups.
  • A critical shortage of doctors in India, especially in rural areas, exacerbates healthcare access issues and further widens health disparities.

India’s Health Equity Issues:

  • Persistent obstacles exist in achieving health equity, with notable differences in health outcomes and access, particularly in rural areas.
  • Initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and the National Health Mission aim to reduce disparities by expanding access and providing essential services, particularly to vulnerable populations.
  • Health disparities across caste, gender, and economic status are evident, with higher rates of child mortality, lower immunization rates, and increased prevalence of anaemia among marginalized groups.
  • Non-communicable diseases account for a significant proportion of fatalities in India, highlighting the need for equitable treatment access and preventive healthcare.
  • Collaboration among various sectors is essential to address India’s health equity challenges, requiring a comprehensive approach beyond healthcare facility improvements.

Collaborative Efforts:

  • Governments, civil society, healthcare providers, and communities must collaborate to improve health literacy, expand access, and address regional health concerns.
  • International institutions, NGOs, and private sectors play vital roles in supporting health initiatives, especially in resource-limited settings.
  • Local organizations with a strong community presence are crucial for understanding and addressing specific health needs.
  • Successful collaborations depend on open communication, mutual respect, and adaptability to changing health concerns and community demands.
  • Effective collaboration among various sectors is essential for achieving health equity and ensuring access to high-quality healthcare for all Indians.
Recent Government Initiatives to Boost Healthcare Sector Growth:

National Digital Health Mission (NDHM): Introduced in 2020, it aims to establish a digital health ecosystem with citizen health IDs and a national digital health infrastructure.

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY): Launched in 2018, it offers financial protection to over 100 million families for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.

National Health Policy 2017: Emphasizes preventive and promotive healthcare to achieve the highest level of health and well-being for all.

Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs): Transforming primary health centers into HWCs to deliver comprehensive primary healthcare, including preventive and promotive services.

Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY): Aims to boost tertiary care capacities and medical education by establishing new AIIMS institutions and upgrading existing government medical colleges.

Research and Development Initiatives: Encouraging research in healthcare, including support for vaccines, drugs, and medical technologies.

National Medical Commission (NMC) Act: Passed in 2019, it aims to reform medical education and practice, replacing the Medical Council of India (MCI) to enhance transparency and accountability.

Jan Aushadhi Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) provides quality generic medicines at affordable prices through Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

Measures Needed for India to become Global Healthcare Provider:

  • Increase Public Spending: Elevate healthcare spending beyond the current 3.6% of GDP, aligning with global standards.
  • Infrastructure Development: Invest in modernizing healthcare infrastructure, encompassing hospitals, clinics, and research facilities.
  • Healthcare Education and Training: Enhance medical education and training programs to cultivate a skilled healthcare workforce.
  • Research and Innovation: Foster a culture of healthcare research and innovation, offering incentives for pharmaceutical and biotech advancements.
  • Telemedicine and Digital Health: Promote telemedicine and digital health solutions to broaden healthcare access, particularly in rural areas.
  • Regulatory Reforms: Simplify regulatory processes to expedite approval for drugs, medical devices, and technologies, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
  • Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Encourage partnerships among government, private sector, and NGOs to leverage resources and expertise.
  • Health Insurance and Financing: Expand health insurance coverage and devise innovative financing models to fund healthcare projects.
  • Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: Prioritize preventive healthcare measures to alleviate disease burden.
About World Health Day:

Purpose: World Health Day aims to raise awareness about global health issues and promote healthier living habits.

History:

Origin: In 1948, during the First Health Assembly, it was decided to observe April 7 as World Health Day.

Commencement: The observance began in 1950 to mark this decision.

Celebrations:

Focus: Each year, World Health Day highlights a specific health theme to address a priority area of concern for the World Health Organization (WHO).

Awareness: The celebrations are geared towards increasing awareness and understanding of pressing health issues globally.

Theme of 2024: ‘My health, my rights’

Significance: This year’s theme emphasizes the fundamental right of every individual to access quality health services, education, information, safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent working and environmental conditions, and freedom from discrimination.

Objective: The theme advocates for the protection and promotion of individuals’ rights to achieve optimal health and well-being.

Source:

https://epaper.thehindu.com/reader

Mains Practice Question:

Discuss the challenges and strategies for achieving inclusive healthcare in India. How can collaborative efforts between the government, civil society, healthcare providers, and communities address the persistent health disparities across various socio-economic groups?

Associated Articles:

https://universalinstitutions.com/world-health-day-2023/