Transformation of India's Healthcare System

India's healthcare system has transformed significantly over the last 11 years due to political will, enhanced funding, and a commitment to providing affordable, accessible, equitable, and quality healthcare.

Key Initiatives and Achievements

• National Health Mission (NHM): This program is central to enhancing health systems, reducing maternal and child mortality, combating diseases, and promoting universal access to quality healthcare.
• Ayushman Arogya Mandirs: Over 1.77 lakh centers have been established to bring healthcare closer to communities.
• Technology Platforms: Initiatives like eSanjeevani and TeleMANAS have democratized access to specialist care.
• Maternal and Child Health Improvements: 
  • 86% decline in maternal mortality, compared to a global average decline of 48%.
  • Infant mortality reduced by 73%, against a global decline of 58%.
• Preventive Care Focus: Screening for cancers at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and significant screenings for hypertension, diabetes, and oral cancer.
• Universal Immunisation Programme: Introduction of six new vaccines since 2014, impacting 5.46 crore children and 1.32 crore pregnant women.

Notable Achievements in Disease Management

• Polio-Free India achieved in 2014.
• Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus eliminated in 2015.
• Trachoma eradicated in 2024.
• Malaria cases and deaths decreased by over 80% between 2015-2023.
• Kala Azar elimination target achieved in 2023.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Reduction: TB incidence reduced by 17.7% and mortality by 21%.

Healthcare Financing and Infrastructure

• Increase in government health expenditure from 1.13% to 1.84% of GDP (2014-2022).
• Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) declined from 62.6% to 39.4%.
• Free Drugs and Diagnostics Service Initiative: Enhanced affordability and accessibility across numerous states.
• Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme: Benefitted over 28 lakh patients, reducing OOPE by Rs. 8,725 crores.
• Emergency response systems enhanced with National Ambulance Services (NAS) and Mobile Medical Units (MMUs).

Infrastructure and Workforce Development

• Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) launched in 2021.
• Establishment of 18,802 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, 602 Critical Care Hospital Blocks, and 730 District Integrated Public Health Labs.
• Engagement of 5.23 lakh additional health workers, including 1.18 lakh Community Health Officers (CHOs).

Overall, these efforts have laid the foundation for universal healthcare, aligning with the vision of accessible, affordable, and equitable healthcare for all in India.