70% of India’s population has no health insurance
Apex healthcare sector body NATHEALTH has released a white paper ‘AAROGYA BHARAT 2025’ in collaboration with Bain & Company at its 2nd Annual Event held in New Delhi.
Mr. Shivinder Mohan Singh, President, NATHEALTH said, “This ‘White Paper’ is an effort by NATHEALTH with collaboration of Bain & Company to drive thought leadership as we move towards a healthier, ‘Aarogya’ India over the next decade. Total spending on healthcare is anticipated to reach about 6% of GDP by 2025. Private insurance is expected to grow at a compounded annual rate of about 25% to cover the top 25% of the population, by income level. Public insurance will provide essential care to 60% of the population by 2025".
According to the paper, 70% of India’s population has no health insurance and is short by 2 million beds compared with the global benchmark. India requires US$ 3 Trillion in cumulative funding and has the potential to generate 15 to 20 million jobs by 2025.
The White Paper recommends the expansion of the supply of healthcare talent in critical roles, rejuvenation of AYUSH, (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) and encouragement of private investment in education.
NATHEALTH’s ask from the Government is to increase public spending on healthcare to 2.5% – 3% of GDP, apportion a greater share of public spending to prevention, including mass screenings and primary care coverage by 2025. Additionally, the Government should focus on being a payer, not a provider and demand and support quality outcomes.
While addressing the member participants Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Founder President, NATHEALTH said, “The sole responsibility does not lie with the Government. The private players in the healthcare industry have a significant role to play to bridge the demand-supply gap and to build a healthier India. Members of NATHEALTH, with the right incentives, should aspire to invest in expanding the supply of affordable care, especially in rural areas and in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Further Secretary General, NATHEALTH, Mr Bose, said “The Government could focus on the role of a payer while investing in public health and leading the provision of care in underserved areas. Additionally, it should drive policy consensus among the centre and the states to ensure that appropriate priority is given to delivering high quality healthcare.
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