Health Care Sector in India

The size of Indian Healthcare sector is expected to reach $ 280 billion by 2020 as per some reports. Healthcare industry in India comprises hospitals, medical tourism, health insurance, medical equipment, telemedicine, outsourcing, clinical trials, medical devices.

1. The multiple reasons for growth are increased diseases due to lifestyles, rising income, greater health awareness, improved access to insurance.
2. As per 2016 report India had reduced the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) by around 26% since 2013.
3. The hospital industry is expected to reach approximately $ 132 billion by 2022.
4. 74% of expenditure in the healthcare sector comes from Private sector.
5. Medical tourism segment in India is growing at the rate of 18% and it is expected to reach $ 9 billion by 2020.

Aspirants would find this topic very helpful while preparing for the IAS Exam.

Central Government Schemes – Healthcare Sector in India

Health is a state subject, the Central Government supplements the efforts of the State Governments in delivery of health services through various schemes for primary, secondary, and tertiary care.

1. By 2025, the Government of India is planning to increase the expenditure on Health care to 2.5% of the GDP.
2. In the Union Budget 2020-21, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare was allocated a budget of more than Rs 65,000 crores. 
3. In Budget 2020-21, Government of India has approved the extension of National Health Mission with an allocated budget of around Rs 34,000 crores.
4. The National Nutrition Mission has set an objective of reducing the under nutrition, problems of stunting by 2%
5. The Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) – This is the largest health care program funded by the Government. 
6. In the Union Budget 2020-21, PMJAY was allocated a budget of more than Rs 6400 crores.
7. As of Nov 2019, more than 63 lakh people have received free treatment under Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY.
8. In the Union Budget 2020-21, Government of India allocated Rs 3,000 crores for Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Surakhsa Yojana (PMSSY).

Similar Articles which an IAS Aspirant should read to holistically approach the topic,  Health Care Sector in India:

Ayushman Bharat

1. It is a centrally sponsored scheme for underprivileged families. It can potentially cover around 50 crore beneficiaries.
2. It provides coverage of up to Rs 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
3. Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission Council (AB-NHPMC) will be established at the apex stage,chaired by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
4. The benefits of the scheme are portable throughout the country and a beneficiary covered by the scheme will be allowed to receive cashless benefits from any public/private hospital throughout the country.

Candidates can read in detail on  Ayushman Bharat on the linked page.

Health Care Sector in India – UPSC Notes:- Download PDF Here

The above details would help candidates prepare for UPSC 2023.

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