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Health Reform as Political Instrument: Achieving Universal Health Coverage

Tabish SA

India constitutes nearly one-fifth of the world’s population. People living in different parts of the country and states differ in their ethnic origin, culture, religious beliefs and other ways that influence their health status. An effective and efficient health care delivery system is indispensable. India has to focus on ever-evolving healthcare needs of its population. Affordability of quality care is a major issue. In India a large number of people still live below poverty line, the affordability of quality care needs to be addressed. With the rise in awareness, affordability and lifestyle diseases, healthcare is one of the essential needs of the nation. Launching of National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS) is a step in the right direction. The NHPS will be effective from 25 September 2018 as a political instrument towards achieving Universal Health Coverage. This is the world’s largest health insurance scheme covering nearly 40 percent of India’s population. Its success will depend on how well the plan is defined and implemented on the ground level. Primary care has to make affordable and accessible to all. It will improve the wellness of the population and reduce the overall cost to the exchequer. Interdisciplinary approach to healthcare underscores the importance of applying integrative strategies to the practice of health sciences. Continued progress and a large public-sector role in health systems reform are crucial. If effectively implemented, the NHPS is expected to make a substantial difference in the Indian health care system over the next decade. Being the largest health insurance plan, from a global perspective, its vision is to cover 50 crore poor and vulnerable beneficiaries.