With the Union Budget approaching, the healthcare sector is voicing its concerns and presenting key expectations or recommendations to address systemic gaps. Leaders from prominent healthcare institutions are urging the government to introduce robust reforms and provide significant investments to achieve equitable and affordable healthcare for all.
While India's out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare has reduced from 64.2% in 2013-14 to 39.4% in 2021-22, as per the National Health Accounts Estimates, the journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) remains challenging. Public healthcare expenditure has increased from 1.13% to 1.84% of GDP over the same period, but experts believe this is far from the target of 3% by 2030.
We expect a clear roadmap to increase public healthcare spending. Strategic investments coupled with supportive policies can bridge the rural-urban divide and ensure access to critical care, especially in underserved regions. A holistic approach involving all stakeholders is essential to ensure healthcare reaches every corner of the country.