India’s National Health Policy 2017: Analyzing the Transformative Shift in Healthcare
Introduction to India’s National Health Policy 2017
The Indian government has recently approved a new National Health Policy (NHP 2017), replacing the 2002 policy. This renewed strategy aims to ensure accessible healthcare to all citizens by addressing both current and emerging challenges in terms of socio-economic, epidemiological, and technological changes. The policy is designed to significantly improve the nation's healthcare landscape, making strides towards a healthier populace.
Key Objectives of NHP 2017
One of the primary goals of NHP 2017 is to enhance public healthcare expenditure to 2.5% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a significant increase from the current 1.4%. Over two-thirds of these funds will be directed towards primary healthcare facilities, making it easier for the common people to access essential medical services.
Expansion of Primary Healthcare Services
The policy envisages the establishment of a network of "Health and Wellness Centres" which will offer a comprehensive range of primary healthcare services. These centres are planned to handle major non-communicable diseases, geriatric care, mental healthcare, palliative care, and rehabilitative healthcare among others, ensuring that citizens can access the necessary care without having to travel long distances.
Free Services in Public Hospitals
To make healthcare more accessible, NHP 2017 proposes free diagnostic, free drugs, and free emergency and essential health services in all public hospitals. This initiative aims to eliminate financial barriers and encourage citizens to seek medical help without hesitation. By providing these services, the policy seeks to reduce the burden on individuals and ensure that timely medical interventions can be provided.
Tracking and Monitoring
Another critical aspect of the policy is the establishment of regular tracking of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY). By 2022, the government plans to have a comprehensive system in place to track various indicators of disease burden and trends. This will help in better planning and strategic decision-making.
Regulatory Environment and Reforms
To ensure high-quality healthcare, NHP 2017 aims to strengthen the regulatory environment. The policy proposes setting up systems for setting standards and ensuring quality within healthcare facilities. It also seeks to reform the existing regulatory system to facilitate the advancement of drugs and devices in keeping with the Make in India initiative. Additionally, the policy includes reforms in medical education to meet the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals.
Development of Mid-Level Service Providers
Another focus area of the policy is the development of mid-level service providers such as public health cadres, nurse practitioners, and other health workers. This strategy aims to address the shortage of skilled healthcare providers and improve the availability of appropriate human resources in the healthcare sector.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the National Health Policy 2017 represents a significant step towards improving healthcare in India. By enhancing public healthcare expenditure, expanding primary healthcare services, and providing free services in public hospitals, the policy is designed to improve the overall health and well-being of the Indian population. With a strong focus on regulatory reforms and the development of mid-level healthcare providers, the 2017 policy aims to create a sustainable healthcare system for the future.