Recent research conducted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and commissioned by the Partnership for Health System Sustainability and Resilience (PHSSR) has focused on identifying vital opportunities to improve India’s healthcare system. This ambitious study aims to strengthen the sustainability and resilience of the system, ensuring it can better deliver health services over the long term and adapt to future crises. PHSSR, a non-profit, multi-sector global collaboration operative in over 30 countries, addresses the need to build more sustainable and resilient health systems.
Key Challenges in India’s Healthcare System
Health System Governance
The report, based on a robust methodology developed by the London School of Economics, evaluates India’s healthcare system across seven domains: health system governance, financing, workforce, medicines and technology, service delivery, population health, and environmental sustainability. Governance stands as a critical area, as effective policies and regulations are essential for a resilient healthcare system. Identifying gaps in current governance structures can pave the way for reforms that ensure better oversight, accountability, and efficiency.
Dr. Nilanjan Ghosh of ORF emphasized the significance of a coordinated effort involving both policy reform and private sector engagement to strengthen governance. By creating transparent and inclusive policies, the system can efficiently leverage resources, manage crises, and deliver services. Moreover, the government’s role in facilitating partnerships between public and private sectors can ensure innovative solutions and scalable healthcare interventions. Without a focused strategy to enhance governance, India’s healthcare system risks remaining fragmented and inefficient.
Financing
A significant observation from the research is that more than one-third of total health spending in India comes from out-of-pocket payments. This reliance on personal expenditure highlights critical gaps in infrastructure and public financing that need urgent attention. To create a more equitable and resilient system, focused investments in healthcare financing are crucial. Increasing public expenditure on healthcare can reduce financial barriers for individuals and promote accessibility.
HE Jan Thesleff, Sweden’s Ambassador to India, emphasized the importance of innovative thinking and global dialogue to address these shared financial challenges. Reforms aimed at improving insurance coverage, expanding government-funded programs, and encouraging private investments can alleviate financial burdens on citizens. Developing a diverse funding model ensures that resources are available for preventive measures, crisis response, and routine healthcare services, contributing to a sustainable system.
Strengthening the Workforce and Technology
Workforce
The healthcare workforce is another pivotal area addressed in the study. Ensuring an adequate number of trained health professionals is vital for delivering quality care and responding to emergencies. Workforce shortages, uneven distribution of healthcare providers, and inadequate training programs present significant challenges. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach involving policy changes, educational reforms, and incentives for healthcare workers.
By offering competitive salaries, creating opportunities for continuous professional development, and improving working conditions, the government and private sector can retain skilled professionals. Additionally, focusing on rural and underserved areas will help bridge the gap in healthcare access. Strategic partnerships with educational institutions can enhance the quality and relevance of training programs, preparing future healthcare workers to meet evolving needs and challenges.
Medicines and Technology
Advancements in medicines and technology play a crucial role in modern healthcare systems. The report highlights the need for continuous investment in medical research, innovations, and technology integration to improve service delivery and patient outcomes. Modern diagnostics and treatments, such as those developed for lung cancer, demonstrate the potential impact of technological advancements. Leveraging technology not only enhances the efficiency of healthcare services but also makes them more accessible and affordable.
Dr. Sanjeev Panchal from AstraZeneca underscored the necessity of global collaboration to expand patient access to innovative treatments. By investing in research and development, encouraging public-private partnerships, and streamlining regulatory processes, India can foster a conducive environment for medical advancements. Ensuring the availability of essential medicines and integrating technology into healthcare practices are imperative steps toward building a resilient system capable of withstanding future challenges.
Enhancing Population Health and Environmental Sustainability
Population Health
The health of the population is a fundamental determinant of a country’s overall well-being and economic stability. The study stresses the importance of preventive care, early diagnostics, and health education to promote population health. Strategies to address lifestyle-related illnesses, communicable diseases, and mental health issues are crucial for enhancing the health outcomes of the population.
Implementing community-based programs that focus on health education and regular screenings can lead to early detection and treatment of diseases. Encouraging healthy lifestyles through public awareness campaigns and providing resources for exercise and nutrition can reduce the incidence of chronic illnesses. By prioritizing population health, India can mitigate the impact of health crises and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
Environmental Sustainability
Environmental sustainability in healthcare is a relatively new but increasingly necessary focus. The report suggests integrating environmental sustainability practices into the healthcare system to reduce its ecological footprint. Sustainable healthcare practices, including waste management, energy-efficient operations, and the use of environmentally friendly materials, can significantly benefit the system and the environment.
Adopting green building practices in healthcare facility construction and renovation projects can lead to more energy-efficient and sustainable infrastructure. Encouraging the use of renewable energy sources, reducing medical waste through recycling programs, and promoting environmentally friendly medical products are steps toward creating a sustainable healthcare system. Integrating these practices ensures that healthcare services are delivered efficiently while minimizing environmental harm.
Conclusion
Recent research by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), commissioned by the Partnership for Health System Sustainability and Resilience (PHSSR), has sought to uncover essential opportunities for improving India’s healthcare system. This extensive study is aimed at enhancing the sustainability and resilience of the system, ensuring it can effectively provide health services over the long term and adapt to any future crises. The PHSSR, a non-profit organization that fosters multi-sector global collaboration and operates in over 30 countries, focuses on the urgent need to build more sustainable and resilient health systems.
The research delves into various aspects of the Indian healthcare system, identifying key areas where improvements can be made to enhance efficiency and accessibility. By implementing these findings, the goal is to create a robust framework that can not only manage routine health services more effectively but also respond to unexpected challenges and disruptions. The collaboration between ORF and PHSSR highlights the importance of global partnerships in tackling healthcare challenges and ensuring a healthier future for all.
