The status of the health sector serves as a barometer for the well-being of a society, reflecting its ability to provide essential services, promote public health, and respond effectively to healthcare needs. In an era marked by dynamic shifts in demographics, technology, and global health challenges, the status of the health sector is a pivotal concern for governments, policymakers, and citizens alike. From accessibility and affordability to quality of care and infrastructure, evaluating the health sector’s status encompasses a multifaceted analysis that delves into both quantitative metrics and qualitative aspects of healthcare delivery. Amidst ongoing debates and efforts to address systemic disparities, harness technological innovations, and bolster healthcare systems’ resilience, understanding the current status of the health sector is crucial for shaping policies and interventions aimed at fostering healthier, more equitable societies.
Status of Health Sector
| National Health Accounts Estimates for India | For the year 2019-20, Total Health Expenditure (THE) for India is estimated to be Rs. 6,55,822 crores i.e. 3.27% of GDP Government Health Expenditure (GHE) is 1.35% GDP. This amounts to about 5.02% of General Government Expenditure in 2019-20. Of the GHE, Union Government’s share is 35.8% and State Governments’ share is 64.2%. Household’s Out of Pocket Expenditure on health (OOPE) is 1.54% of GDP. The share of Government Health Expenditure (GHE) in the overall GDP of the country has increased from 1.13% in 2014-15 to 1.35% in 2019-20. In the Total Health Expenditure (THE) of the country between 2014-15 and 2019-20, the share of GHE has increased from 29% to 41.4%. Social Security Expenditure (SSE) on healthcare – The share of SSE on health, which includes government-funded health insurance, medical reimbursement to government employees, and social health insurance programs, in THE, has increased from 5.7% in 2014-15 to 9.3% in 2019-20. |
| National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) | The Total Fertility Rates (TFR) has further declined since NFHS-4 in almost all the Phase-1 States and UTs. The replacement level of fertility (2.1) has been achieved in 19 out of the 22 States/UTs and only 3 states viz. Manipur (2.2), Meghalaya (2.9) and Bihar (3.0) have TFR above replacement levels now. Overall Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) has increased substantially in most States/UTs and it is the highest in HP and WB (74%). More than two-third of children are fully immunized in all the States and UTs except Nagaland, Meghalaya and Assam. Institutional births have increased substantially with over four-fifth of the women delivering in institutions in 19 States and UTs. Institutional delivery is over 90 per cent in 14 out of the total 22 Sates and UTs. Sex ratio at birth has remained unchanged or increased in most States/UTs. Majority of the states are in normal sex ratio of 952 or above. SRB is below 900 in Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, DNH & DD. |
| Health Finance | Urban and rural health services constituted 70.11% of the public expenditure on medical and public health in 2018-19 the same has decreases to 69.54% in 2019-20. The per capita expenditure on CGHS during 2021-22 was Rs 10,835. As of 31st March 2021, around 13.16 crores of beneficiaries were covered under ESIS. The per capita expenditure on medical benefit under ESIS is Rs. 716.82 for the year 2021. |
| Health infrastructure | With regard to the number of registered doctors, among the states, Maharashtra (1,88,540 doctors) has the highest number of registered doctors followed by Tamil Nadu (1,48,216 doctors), Karnataka (1,31,906), and Andhra Pradesh (1,05,795). Medical education infrastructures have shown rapid growth over past few years with 648 medical colleges (396 Government, 252 Private), and 98013 MBBS seats till September, 2022. Currently there are 1962 Institutions for ANM with 59,085 seats for admission, and 9250 institutions with 3,50,679 Nursing seats in the country. As on 31st March 2021, there are total of 1,57,819 Sub Centres (SCs) (156101 rural + 1718 urban), 30,579 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) (25140 rural + 5439 urban), 5,951 Community Health Centres (CHCs) (5,481 rural + 470 urban), 1224 Sub-divisional Hospitals, 764 District Hospitals, and 307 Medical Colleges present across the country. |
FAQs
Q: What is the current status of the healthcare sector globally?
The healthcare sector globally is facing both challenges and advancements. While there have been significant strides in medical technology and treatment options, disparities in access to healthcare remain a pressing issue. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of healthcare infrastructure and preparedness, prompting increased focus on public health measures and vaccine distribution efforts.
Q: How is the healthcare sector adapting to technological advancements?
Technological advancements are revolutionizing the healthcare sector, with innovations such as telemedicine, electronic health records (EHRs), and wearable health monitoring devices transforming the way patients receive care. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are also being utilized for medical imaging analysis, drug discovery, and personalized treatment plans, promising more efficient and tailored healthcare solutions.
Q: What are the major challenges facing the healthcare sector today?
Key challenges facing the healthcare sector include rising healthcare costs, inadequate access to healthcare services, especially in underserved communities, workforce shortages, and an aging population. Additionally, issues such as healthcare disparities, mental health stigma, and the burden of chronic diseases continue to strain healthcare systems worldwide, necessitating comprehensive and equitable solutions.
Q: How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the healthcare sector?
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the healthcare sector, leading to increased demand for medical services, strained hospital resources, and disruptions in routine care. Healthcare workers have faced unprecedented challenges, including shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) and burnout from prolonged work hours. The pandemic has also accelerated digital health adoption and highlighted the importance of global cooperation in pandemic preparedness and response efforts.
Q: What are some initiatives aimed at improving the healthcare sector’s resilience and efficiency?
Initiatives focused on improving healthcare sector resilience and efficiency include investments in healthcare infrastructure, expanding access to affordable healthcare services, promoting preventive care and public health education, and leveraging technology for remote monitoring and healthcare delivery. Additionally, collaborations between public and private sectors, along with policy reforms aimed at addressing healthcare disparities and strengthening healthcare systems, are critical for building a more resilient and sustainable healthcare sector.
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