Some public health experts have also pointed out that India needs targeted investments in government programmes that focus on addressing the unmet need of marginalised populations and geographies — greater investments in health, nutrition, education, professional skills and employment opportunities.
Union Budget 2023: As COVID-19 cases are rising again and ahead of the upcoming union budget, experts from the healthcare industry are expecting several steps and measures to improve access to quality care and treatment.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the health capital was tested not just at an individual level but also at a societal level.
Several industry experts told Financial Express.com that there has been a long-standing demand for increasing government health expenditure on health as a percentage of GDP. According to the latest National Health Accounts Report, it has been stagnant at around 1.2-1.3 per cent.
India needs to build a robust and resilient healthcare system
According to Dheeraj Jain, Founder & MD, Redcliffe Labs, healthcare is under-served and under-consumed. India requires a plan to build a robust and resilient healthcare system, which can only be done by increasing investment (both public and private),
“Turning to preventive care is the need of the hour. Despite the fact that it can significantly lower medical costs and detect life-threatening health conditions early, it is undervalued. Therefore, improving testing facilities or diagnostic services in Rural Bharat needs to be of the utmost importance. Additionally, the GST for the healthcare industry needs to be rationalised so that the businesses in the sector may attract more investment and provide services to customers at affordable rates,” Jain added.
Furthermore, healthcare services in tier II and tier III cities need to be strengthened, especially when it comes to hospital facilities, which might be explored using a PPP model.
Jain also emphasised that the budget should include a strategy for increasing the availability of healthcare professionals, particularly in Tier 2/3 and 4 towns.
“The forthcoming budget should also focus on healthcare digitisation because it is a fundamental precondition for providing value-based care throughout India’s healthcare continuum. In India’s Tier II and III cities, in particular, adopting intelligent solutions can help decrease barriers between hospitals and patients, improving access to care and raising overall patient satisfaction,”
Source: indianexpress
More Stories
AstraZeneca to buy cancer drug developer for up to $1.2 billion
NOTTO orders probe into cash-for-kidney allegations against Indraprastha Apollo hospital
India reports 121 fresh Covid-19 cases, no rise in infections amid China scare