- Prelims: Current events of national importance, medical tourism, Make in India, Ayushman Bharat, National health mission, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), GDP, National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021 etc
- Mains GS Paper I & II: Development and management of social sectors/services related to Health and education etc
ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS
- India is recognised globally for its world-class medical services, attracting patients from over 147 countries.
- Until the 1980s, it was a common practice for affluent Indians to seek advanced medical treatments abroad, especially in western countries
INSIGHTS ON THE ISSUE
Context
Public Health:
- It is the science of protecting the safety and improving the health of communities through education, policy making and research for disease and injury prevention.
Private sector in Healthcare:
- Private spending constitutes nearly 60% of overall expenditure on health.
- The private sector in India is dispersed: Marked inequities between rural and urban areas and widespread market failure.
- The income disparities, backwardness, and under-regulation incentivises the private sector to differentiate into a host of organizations, each serving its own customer base.
Medical and wellness tourism:
- It refers to the practice of traveling to another location to receive medical treatment or to improve one’s health and wellbeing.
- These types of tourism are growing in popularity as people become more interested in alternative healthcare options and seek out high-quality medical care at a lower cost.
Economic implications for being medical destination:
- According to recent studies, India saves billions in foreign exchange annually as fewer Indians need to travel abroad for medical treatments.
- The cost of treatment in India is significantly lower than in western countries, with the same, if not better, quality of care.
- It has helped in retaining valuable foreign exchange and positioned India as a cost-effective health-care destination.
- The inflow of international patients contributes to the economy, creating jobs and fosters growth in related sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and pharmaceuticals.
- The influx of medical tourists is estimated to generate revenues of over $9 billion annually, further boosting the nation’s economy.
- Prime Minister clarion call of “Heal in India” is more than a slogan.
- It is a vision for positioning India as a global health-care leader.
Progress in medical tourism by India:
- India has made significant strides in medical tourism, though there is still room for growth when compared to our neighboring countries.
- State-of-the-art hospitals, skilled medical professionals, and cost-effective treatments have made India a preferred destination for medical tourists.
- Patients from across the globe come to India for a wide range of treatments, from complex cardiac surgeries to advanced oncology.
- India’s health-care system has emerged as a beacon of hope and excellence.
- Treating ailments
- Providing holistic care that addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of patients.
- Indian health-care professionals are not merely doctors and nurses
- They are healers who embody compassion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Challenges:
- India continues to import a significant portion of its medical devices
- It adds to the cost of treatments and impacts our self-reliance.
- According to a study by the Indian Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), India imported medical devices worth over $24 billion in 2021-22.
What Steps need to be taken?
- The “Make in India” initiative increased investments in the domestic production of medical devices.
- Aim: It will reduce dependency on imports and enhance the affordability and accessibility of medical care.
- The burgeoning medical device industry in India is a symbol of growing capability to produce high-quality, affordable health-care solutions.
- Young innovators and entrepreneurs need to step into the health-care arena and drive further advancements.
- The youth of India hold the keys to our future, their energy, creativity, and passion are essential in driving the next wave of innovations in health care.
- By embracing careers in this sector, they can play a pivotal role in transforming our health-care system that is self-reliant and a global leader.
- Health care offers a unique opportunity to blend science, technology, and compassion to create a lasting impact on society.
Issues with healthcare system:
Initiatives for the Health Care Sector:
- National Health Mission
- Ayushman Bharat.
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
- National Medical Commission
- PM National Dialysis Programme.
- Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK).
- Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK).
Way Forward
- From being a nation dependent on the West for medical treatments to becoming a global health-care destination.
- India should continue to build on this foundation, striving for excellence and self-reliance in health care.
- The journey from dependence to independence in health care is a microcosm of India’s broader path to self-reliance and excellence.
- It embodies the spirit of innovation, resilience, and service that defines India.
- India should strive for a health-care system that is inclusive, innovative, and inspiring.
- Build a health-care system that is a source of pride for every Indian and a beacon of hope for the world. Jai Hind!
- Widening the ambit of practice of nurses and allied personnel with strong emphasis on health policy, along with concurrent mainstreaming of such practice roles across the private sector.
- Affordable private healthcare must only come to supplement strong public healthcare, while in turn having a complementary effect in enhancing the efficiency of government health spending.
QUESTION FOR PRACTICE
Besides being a moral imperative of the Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyze.(UPSC 2021) (200 WORDS, 10 MARKS)
