Prime Highlights
- Lancet-commissioned experts have called for a citizen-centred healthcare system in India, with publicly funded services forming the backbone of Universal Health Coverage.
- The panel stressed the use of digital technology and stronger local governance to improve access, coordination, and quality of healthcare delivery.
Key Facts
- Public health spending in India remains below 2% of GDP, falling short of the National Health Policy target of 2.5%, while out-of-pocket expenses still account for nearly half of total health spending.
- The commission recommended integrating practitioners of Indian systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy, into the mainstream healthcare system.
Background:
A group of nearly 30 leading global and Indian health experts commissioned by the medical journal The Lancet has urged India to move towards a more citizen-centric, publicly financed healthcare system, backed by greater use of technology and stronger local governance.
In a series of articles and commentaries released online on Wednesday, the commission outlined wide-ranging reforms aimed at strengthening India’s path toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The experts called for an integrated healthcare delivery model that places citizens at the centre, while ensuring that public institutions remain the backbone of healthcare services. At the same time, the private sector should be guided to complement public services by leveraging its strengths.
The commission emphasised the need to shift from an excessive focus on professional qualifications to assessing healthcare workers on competencies, values, and motivation. The commission also called for giving greater support to frontline health workers and bringing practitioners of Indian systems of medicine, such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy, into the mainstream healthcare system.
It said technology can play an important role in improving healthcare delivery. Digital tools can link different healthcare providers, make insurance processes easier, and allow health records to be shared smoothly. This will help doctors, hospitals, insurers, and patients work better together. New medical technologies can also help provide better testing, early prevention, and care when it is needed.
The report pointed out that current insurance rules create barriers to integrated healthcare. High capital requirements and strict regulations make it difficult for insurers and healthcare providers to work together effectively.
At a time when global health systems are facing challenges, the experts said India has a chance to play a bigger leadership role for developing countries. However, they pointed out that government spending on health is still below 2 percent of GDP, which is less than the national target, and many families continue to spend a large share of their own money on healthcare.
“Public health cannot work if decisions are made only at the top,” said Poonam Muttreja of the Population Foundation of India, adding that people’s views and experiences must be included in health policies.
