Agenda for India: Health

TwoCircles.net presents “Agenda for India”. Series editor is Charu Bahri.

Challenges & Solutions

“The main issues that come to my mind are access to affordable good quality primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare, and the promotion of preventive healthcare. While the prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases can be promoted by generating awareness about these diseases and bringing in behavioral changes among the masses, access could be improved through creating urban and rural healthcare infrastructure and health insurance,” opines Dr Ahmad S Mecklai, Chief of Operations and Projects-in-charge, Prince Aly Khan Hospital.

“Millions in rural India are far removed from quality healthcare. In urban India, the story is equally bleak, even if it is somewhat different. A large number of urban Indians lack the means to access quality health infrastructure, whether primary, secondary or tertiary. There is a need to create additional healthcare infrastructure and also upgrade the services at the existing hospitals. There is a scope for public-private partnerships (PPPs) in this area. Perhaps, this could be achieved by increasing the incentives offered by the government to the healthcare providers.”

“We also need more complementary services like health help lines and the 1298 ambulance service (in Mumbai and Kerala), which helps in timely access to medical care ‘in the precious hour of a medical emergency’.”

“The masses could be educated about the prevention and cure of communicable and non-communicable diseases, thereby bringing in changes in their behavior. The government could stress on the safe practices that prevent the contraction of communicable diseases as also spread awareness of quality treatment available at affordable price points in the public and private sector.”

“No one wants to compromise in times of sickness, nor does anyone want to die early. The masses must also be explained the need for health insurance. Public seminars and advertising campaigns could help disseminate this information in urban and rural areas.”

“Another important issue that comes to my mind is the fear of women from traditionally male dominated societies to talk about and push for their rights to better health. They must be empowered by being explained their rights.”

“I am confident that the noble cause of ‘healthcare for all’ will get a major boost if the government focuses on these issues.

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