A glaring issue facing the health system is its historical underfunding and weak regulatory mechanisms, reflecting the persistent low priority accorded to health by successive governments.
The right to health is a cornerstone of human rights, universally acknowledged and rooted in the belief that each individual deserves the utmost standard of physical and mental well-being. This principle is globally recognized and enshrined in various international agreements, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Sustainable Development Goals focusing on Good Health and Well-being, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. It encompasses not just the absence of illness but also factors such as access to healthcare services, clean water, sanitation, and a safe environment.
This whitepaper emanates from a roundtable discussion organized by the Times Group’s Global Sustainability Alliance (GSA) Council for Good Health and Wellbeing during the eighth edition of the Times Group’s ET Now Global Business Summit 2024.
The document aims to encapsulate the essence of these discussions, offering insights and recommendations drawn from the significant dialogue. It emphasizes the role of leaders in shaping policies and strategies for future health scenarios, while also questioning how current systems can be enhanced to achieve healthcare for all. The core theme delves into avenues for improving disease prevention, strengthening health security measures at various governance levels, and fortifying the national health system through a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach. Moreover, the group endeavors to suggest solutions for preventing, detecting, and addressing health security crises.
A primary concern highlighted is the inadequate physical accessibility and affordability of healthcare providers, as well as essential medical resources like medicines, vaccines, and diagnostic facilities. Governmental underfunding, compounded by deficient procurement and logistics systems, has hindered access to these essentials in public health facilities, except in select well-funded regions.
Another glaring issue confronting the health system is its historical underfunding and weak regulatory frameworks, indicative of the enduring low prioritization of health by successive administrations. This chronic lack of funding has led to a significant escalation in medical expenses for households. The paper acknowledges some progress, particularly through initiatives like the National Rural Health Mission/National Health Mission (NRHM/NHM).
We extend our gratitude to our esteemed council members who have generously contributed their time and expertise towards the writing of this report: Yugal Sikri, MD – RPG Life Sciences Ltd, who chaired the session; Dr. K. Madan Gopal, Advisor, NHSRC-MOHFW, GOI, Former Senior Consultant NITI Aayog; Sanjiv Navangul, CEO – Bharat Serums and Vaccines Ltd; Karan Thakur, Group Lead, Sustainability & ESG and Vice-President, Public Affairs – Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi; Kiran Melkote, Orthopaedic Surgeon & Member of Association for Harm Reduction, Education & Research.
The heart of the deliberations centered on ensuring access to vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics. Efficient procurement and supply mechanisms were deemed indispensable for the success of any healthcare system. While initiatives like NRHM/NHM and health insurance programs like Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PM-JAY) aim to address these challenges, issues of underfunding persist.
The paper delineates key points stressing the need for standardized efforts in healthcare regulation, including transparency and stakeholder accountability.
In conclusion, this whitepaper seeks to ignite debate and deliberation on the challenges, opportunities, and potential solutions, empowering us to better prevent, detect, and address health security emergencies as we move towards Universal Health Care. It emphasizes the importance of fortifying health security measures at various governance levels and enhancing the national health system through a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach.
