BS EDIT: Enhancing health care in India

By Business StandardPublished On Sep 16, 2024

AB PM-JAY expansion

Health coverage now includes all seniors aged 70+, providing ₹5 lakh per family annually, regardless of income

Improving access

73.7 million hospital admissions under AB PM-JAY, with 49% women beneficiaries. Reducing costs for the poor and elderly

Focus on quality

Affordable health care needs quality standards and safety protocols, especially at the primary care level

Infrastructure gaps

31.4% of sub-centres and 7.4% of PHCs lack proper buildings and basic facilities, hindering health care delivery

Budget trends

Health Budget grew by 12.9% in 2024-25, yet combined health expenditure still below the 2.5% GDP benchmark

The way forward

Enhanced policy focus needed to boost infrastructure, quality, and outcomes for equitable health care access