National Health Policy

National Health Policy is an initiative by the Central Government to strengthen the health system in India. This initiative moulds various dimensions of health sectors like disease prevention, promotion of good health via cross-sectoral actions, health investment, strengthening human resources, technological advancements and more.

Launched in 2017, the National Health Policy replaces the existing policy previously established in 2002. There are significant changes brought to the policy framework and its objectives.

Students preparing for competitive exams like UPSC 2022 and IAS exam can go through this article. The points underneath will help them prepare UPSC notes for long and short questions.

What is National Health Policy?

National Health Policy was launched in 2017 by the Central Government to replace the existing health policy. This policy has introduced four significant goals:

1. 1. Changing health priorities

This policy aims to tackle the increasing non-communicable and infectious diseases in India.

1. 1. Growth of the health care industry

National Health Policy plans to strengthen the health care industry by introducing newer and more advanced technologies.

1. 1. Lower the expenditure

This policy also aims to reduce medical expenses and other health-related costs. They aim to provide superior services to poor and backward communities.

1. 1. Economic growth

It aims to enhance fiscal capacity by boosting economic growth.

Individuals preparing for the UPSC prelims and IAS exams should know the goals set by this initiative.

What are the Objectives of National Health Policy?

The National Health Policy aims to achieve the following goals:

• It aims to offer superior health services to every age group and gender.
• The policy focuses on providing universal access to excellent quality health care services at a reasonable cost.
• Promoting health care orientation in every developmental policy.
• Offering access to better treatment, lowering expenses related to health care services and improving quality.
• It aims to reduce premature mortality from cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes by 25% within 2025.
• This policy recognises the importance of sustainable development and time-bound quantitative goals.
• National Health Policy in India improves overall health status through promotive, palliative, and rehabilitative services.

Apart from the objectives, students should know the principles of this policy to prepare for the UPSC exam.

Also, refer to the following links, in line with the UPSC Syllabus, while preparing for the upcoming civil services exam:

What are the Key Principles of the National Health Policy?

The following are the fundamental principles of the National Health Policy 2017.

• Professionalism and ethics

National Health Policy commits to integrity, highest professional standards and ethics. It integrates these functions in health care delivery services by maintaining transparency and a sustainable environment.

• Equity

This policy aims to reduce the inequity and disparity based on caste, gender, disability, poverty and other forms of social exclusions. This also includes offering financial protection to poor and underprivileged patients.

• Affordability

The policy aims to make health services and medicine affordable. It seeks to prevent disparity in social, economic or current health status.

• Quality of care

This initiative offers confidentiality in the form of safe, gender-sensitive and convenient healthcare services. It intends to remove corruption in both private and public healthcare systems.

• Collaborations

It follows a multistakeholder approach by collaborating with health ministries and communities. Different academic institutions and non-profit agencies also participate in the initiative.

• Pluralism

Beneficiaries will enjoy features of AYUSH and community-based health facilities.

Hopefully, the preceding discussion on National Health Policy will help individuals prepare for competitive exams. Additionally, they can check the official portal and news reports to find updates on the topic.