Que. In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system the Indian State should play a vital role to contain the adverse impact of marketisation of the system. Suggest some measures through which the State can enhance the reach of public healthcare at the grassroots level.
लोक स्वास्थ्य देखभाल प्रणाली जैसे महत्त्वपूर्ण क्षेत्र में भारतीय राज्य को उस व्यवस्था के बाजारीकरण के दुष्प्रभावों को रोकने के लिए व्यापक भूमिका निभानी चाहिए। कुछ ऐसे उपाय सुझाइए जिनके माध्यम से राज्य, लोक स्वास्थ्य देखभाल प्रणाली की पहुंच का विस्तार तृणमूल स्तर तक कर सके।
Structure of the Answer
(i) Introduction: Introduce the impact of “marketisation” on India’s public healthcare and the necessity for state intervention at the grassroots.
(ii) Main Body: Propose measures for the Indian state to enhance public healthcare accessibility and quality at the grassroots level.
(iii) Conclusion: Summarize the state’s essential role in ensuring equitable and accessible public healthcare at the grassroots level.
Introduction
The “marketisation” of India’s healthcare system has led to disparities in access and quality, especially at the grassroots level. State intervention is crucial to mitigate these effects and ensure equitable healthcare for all.
Strengthening Primary Healthcare Infrastructure
(i) Establishing More Primary Health Centers (PHCs): Increase the number of PHCs in rural and underserved areas to provide accessible basic healthcare services.
(ii) Upgrading Existing Facilities: Enhance current PHCs with modern equipment and adequate staffing to improve service quality.
(iii) Mobile Health Units: Deploy mobile clinics to reach remote regions, ensuring healthcare access for isolated populations.
(iv) Community Health Workers: Train and employ local health workers to offer basic care and health education within communities.
(v) Telemedicine Services: Implement telehealth platforms to connect patients in remote areas with specialists, overcoming geographical barriers.
Enhancing Healthcare Funding and Insurance
(i) Increased Public Health Expenditure: Allocate a higher percentage of GDP to healthcare to strengthen the public system.
(ii) Expanding Health Insurance Coverage: Broaden schemes like Ayushman Bharat to include more beneficiaries, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
(iii) Subsidizing Essential Medicines: Provide free or affordable essential drugs to lower-income populations to ensure treatment adherence.
(iv) Performance-Based Funding: Allocate funds to healthcare facilities based on service quality and patient outcomes to incentivize improvements.
(v) Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Collaborate with private entities to enhance resource availability and service delivery in public healthcare.
Implementing Health Education and Awareness Programs
(i) Community Health Campaigns: Organize regular health awareness drives focusing on preventive care and healthy lifestyles.
(ii) School Health Programs: Integrate health education into school curricula to instill early awareness among children.
(iii) Utilizing Mass Media: Leverage radio, television, and social media to disseminate health information widely.
(iv) Workshops and Training: Conduct workshops for community leaders to act as health advocates within their localities.
(v) Health Literacy Materials: Distribute easy-to-understand materials in local languages to educate the public about health issues and services.
Strengthening Regulatory Frameworks
(i) Regulating Private Healthcare Providers: Enforce standards to ensure private entities deliver quality and ethical services.
(ii) Monitoring Drug Prices: Implement price controls on essential medications to prevent exploitation.
(iii) Accreditation of Health Facilities: Mandate accreditation for all healthcare facilities to maintain consistent service quality.
(iv) Transparent Reporting Systems: Establish mechanisms for reporting malpractice and ensuring accountability in healthcare delivery.
(v) Strengthening Health Data Systems: Develop robust health information systems for better planning and policy-making.
Conclusion
By implementing these measures, the Indian state can counteract the adverse effects of “marketisation” and ensure that public healthcare services are equitable, accessible, and of high quality at the grassroots level.
