Industry, policymakers and public health groups are enthused that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s election manifesto has focused on some key sectoral issues.
The manifesto talks of streamlining government departments in the sector, the possibility of an "overarching lean body" as regulator, a comprehensive healthcare policy to bring down out-of-pocket expenditure and the need for radical reforms of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM).
Health is a concurrent subject in the Constitution, and is largely divided between the Centre and states. Experts said development in the sector was hindered because of overlapping rights and duties of ministries and departments.
A key agenda in the manifesto was addressing overlaps and creating a single-window system; converging departments into one that will look into all health-related areas such as food, nutrition and pharma.
Besides, it highlighted the need to review the role of various regulatory bodies.
Experts said the move was in line with Narendra Modi's strategy in Gujarat and promises in other sectors. "This is what he plans to do not only healthcare but also in other sectors. It will be industry-friendly, consumer-friendly and conducive for policymakers, as it will reduce differences and fast track implementation," said a senior official in a pharmaceutical company.
Sujatha Rao, former secretary in the health ministry and a 20-year veteran of the healthcare sector, said the new regime should decentralise and build capacities in states and districts. "Currently, NRHM is a Centre-driven programme. There is a need for architectural correction in the system and states have to be made active partners in that," she said.
The new government must institutionalise reforms to address complex healthcare challenges. "The Centre should focus on providing public goods like piped water supply, sanitation, public hygiene and access to basic health care," Rao added.
The BJP manifesto also promises to initiate a new health policy keeping in view the developments in the sector and the changing demographics. However, the broad contours are not clear.
Experts said while Modi's team had laid out a basic agenda, the challenge would be to prioritise and sequence the reform.
