Context: The Union Government informed Parliament that India’s doctor–population ratio stands at 1:811, better than the WHO norm of 1:1000, highlighting quantitative progress in healthcare availability while masking structural challenges.
India’s healthcare system has undergone significant expansion over the last decade, driven by a shift towards universal health coverage, preventive care, and infrastructure strengthening. However, challenges related to financing, equity, and quality of care continue to demand policy attention.
Current Status of India’s Healthcare System
Public health expenditure has increased gradually to 1.9% of GDP (FY 2023–24), yet remains below the National Health Policy (2017) target of 2.5% by 2025. While financial protection has improved, Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) still accounts for 39.4% of total health spending, exposing households to catastrophic health shocks.
India’s improved doctor–population ratio reflects expanded medical education capacity, but rural–urban disparities, uneven specialist distribution, and shortages in public facilities persist. The disease profile has also shifted decisively towards non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which account for over 60% of deaths, necessitating long-term, preventive, and primary-care-driven interventions.
A major structural reform has been the transition to Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) through the establishment of over 1.7 lakh Health and Wellness Centres, now renamed Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs). These centres focus on NCD screening, mental health, geriatric care, and preventive services.
Government Measures and Initiatives
The flagship Ayushman Bharat programme anchors India’s healthcare reforms through two pillars.
First, PM-JAY provides health insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care to about 12 crore vulnerable families, reducing financial hardship.
Second, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs strengthen grassroots healthcare delivery.
The National Health Mission (NHM) continues to support states in expanding healthcare access, improving maternal and child health, and addressing regional disparities.
Complementing this, the PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) focuses on building critical care blocks, disease surveillance units, and public health laboratories to enhance pandemic preparedness.
To tackle medicine affordability, the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has expanded access to quality generic medicines through thousands of Janaushadhi Kendras, directly contributing to the reduction in OOPE.
Way Forward
India’s healthcare priorities must now focus on increasing public spending, addressing human-resource imbalances, strengthening urban and rural primary care, and integrating digital health solutions.
Greater emphasis on preventive care, mental health, and geriatric services is essential to manage the rising NCD burden.
Overall, India’s healthcare sector reflects meaningful progress, but achieving equitable, affordable, and quality healthcare for all will require sustained fiscal commitment, cooperative federalism, and systemic reforms.