Union Budget: Govt must allocate more money in preventive medicine

By

Dr Yash Gulati

, Padma Shri,

Orthopedic Surgeon

India has a dubious distinction of having one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world. It is a strange dichotomy -- Indian doctors are one of the best in the world, yet medical services haven't reached a large part of the population. There’s one doctor for approximately 1,700 people. The number could be more skewed if we consider the urban-rural divide.

In the run-up to the Budget, it is high time the government takes a close look at the issues concerning the healthcare sector and increase investment. Currently, India spends an abysmally low 1.5%-2% of GDP for health, while the US figures stands at more than 16%, Canada over 10%, and the Scandinavian countries 20%.

Policymakers often look at the return on investment. They, at times, feel that investment in healthcare brings almost no returns, hence it is not wise to put in funds. However, it is a fact that the country’s progress is directly dependent on the health of its citizens. It would be prudent to acknowledge that our health system has been stretched beyond limit during the Covid-19 pandemic. Hence, there is an urgent need to increase budgetary allocation to ramp up health infrastructure at all levels — urban, rural, big and small cities.

Moreover, the country needs to allocate more money in preventive medicine. Early diagnosis of a disease can prevent death, and hence the focus should be to rev up primary health centres with medical education and vaccination.
In developing nations, infectious diseases kill many. So, the country must take steps to fight infectious diseases such as malaria, dengue, diarrhea, as well as create awareness among people.

Research and development in medical field is an area of utmost importance. By expanding ‘Make In India initiatives, the country can save billions of dollars by encouraging India firms dealing with medicines, implants and other equipment. India should import from those companies which will agree to set up base in the country.

Policymakers must look at public-private partnerships to reach out to the maximum number of people. At times, the good policies of the government don’t reach actual beneficiaries due to various reasons. Private partners can play a crucial role in achieving the larger goals.

The country also needs to allocate more money in medical education and rope in private players. For optimal use of resources, the government must bring in policies such as tax relief to private players to make healthcare more efficient and affordable.

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