The healthcare system in India is a diverse mix of public and private providers, offering a wide range of healthcare services to its population. India faces several challenges in delivering healthcare due to its vast population, regional disparities and resource constraints. Some of the primary aspects of the health care system in India may be mentioned as the following:
Public Healthcare Infrastructure: India has a wide network of government-funded healthcare facilities, including primary health centers and community health centers at the grassroots level (Bhandari, L. and Dutta, S., 2007. Health infrastructure in rural India. India infrastructure report, 2007, pp.265-85). District hospitals and medical colleges provide secondary and tertiary care services. However, there are often disparities in the availability and quality of care between rural and urban areas.
Healthcare Research: India is increasingly focusing on healthcare research and development to tackle diseases and public health issues more effectively. Lack of awareness is a major problem that the
healthcare India scenario currently faces. It is here that video-based digital health platforms like
DocTube™ have played a crucial role. It conducts extensive research into the most common health conditions faced in the country and offers videos by certified doctors across India to make the common men aware of these conditions. This promotes a better understanding of diverse public health issues and helps them to take account of their own health and well-being.
Health Insurance: The government runs various health insurance schemes to provide financial protection to vulnerable populations. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana or Ayushman Bharat is one of the world's largest health insurance programs, aiming to provide insurance coverage to economically disadvantaged families (
Angell, B.J., Prinja, S., Gupt, A., Jha, V. and Jan, S., 2019. The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and the path to universal health coverage in India: Overcoming the challenges of stewardship and governance. PLoS medicine, 16(3), p.e1002759).
Primary Healthcare: The focus of the Indian healthcare system is gradually shifting towards strengthening primary healthcare. Initiatives like National Health Mission and Health and Wellness Centers aim to improve access to basic healthcare services, maternal and child health, and preventive care.
Specialty and Advanced Care: India is renowned for its expertise in medical tourism, attracting patients from various countries seeking specialized treatments and surgeries at comparatively lower costs.
Pharmaceutical Industry: India has a thriving pharmaceutical industry and is a major exporter of generic drugs worldwide. This plays a crucial role in making essential medicines more affordable and accessible.
Challenges: The Indian healthcare system faces several challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of healthcare professionals like doctors, nurses and paramedical staff, uneven distribution of healthcare facilities and high out-of-pocket expenses for patients (Ramani, K.V. and Mavalankar, D., 2006. Health system in India: opportunities and challenges for improvements. Journal of health organization and management, 20(6), pp.560-572).
Communicable Diseases: India also faces challenges related to communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis, malaria and waterborne diseases, alongside the emergence of non-communicable diseases due to lifestyle changes. The efforts of DocTube™ play a crucial role in educating the masses about these diseases so that they can be prevented and managed in the best possible manner.
The Indian government has been taking steps to address these challenges and strengthen its healthcare system. Initiatives like the National Health Policy 2017 and the push for universal health coverage aim to improve healthcare access, quality, and affordability for all citizens (Sarbadhikari, S.N., 2019. Digital health in India–As envisaged by the national health policy (2017). BLDE University Journal of Health Sciences, 4(1)). However, it remains a complex task due to the country's vast and diverse population and resource limitations.
Is DocTube really free for common men?
DocTube is a free platform where eminent doctors from all over India share information and knowledge on diverse health issues and conditions. It is a free and easy-to-use platform where videos are presented in vernacular languages.
Which diseases are not covered under Ayushman Bharat?
Some diseases and conditions not covered under Ayushman Bharat are fertility-related procedures, cosmetic surgeries, dental treatments, HIV/AIDS treatment and drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
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