Indian headed towards Universal Health Coverage

It was my privileged to attend a National Conference jointly organised by Public health Foundation of India PHFI and Health Economics Association of India-HEAI at New Delhi initiated by Planning Commission of India. In recent years, talk on health and health coverage has gained the top most priority on political will across the globe. Health has infact was the reason for bringing drastic change in political scenario in Mexico, Brazil, Indonesia and so on. Of course not in India yet. Series of papers on full health coverage has been presented, discussed and it reveals that failing of better health system is perhaps India’s greatest predicament.

I remember the topic given for Group Discussion during my PG selection at the university was on " Health for all by 2000". Now it is extended to 2020 as "Universal Health". Jan Swasthya Abhiyan-JSA recently called for a national public debate on the proposed universal health care system, saying that such an important issue cannot be rushed through and its various strands need to be understood, discussed and commented upon widely by the people.

Today, world's social policy discusses the complexity of country's assurance of health for its people. After 27 years slowly but surely expanding health protections coverage to poor, middle and upper class groups inclusive of public and private employees ad beyond to informal sector, Thailand achieved universal health coverage in 2001 and passed the National Health Security Act in 2002. Studies reveal that the poor in Thailand benefit in a significant way from public health services. In India, in October 2010, the Planning Commission of India with the approval of the prime minister, appointed a High Level Expert Group (HLEG) to develop a framework for universal health coverage (UHC) to be implemented over 2010-20.

This health scenario is a thought provoking and thoughtful move of United Progressive Alliance-UPSA government as a ground work towards preparation for 2014 parliamentary election. May, the political parties and politicians have realized that elections cannot be won simply money and muscle power anymore. People have now aware of services done and development made. In Andhra Pradesh state during Y.S. Rajashekar's rule as Chief Minister, Congress could come to power with the adoptation of helath measure like "Aarogyasri". This health model then got replica ad was initiated in states like Tamil Nadu and Maharahstra. The common feature in all the three state was this model was named after the politician to come to political power. "Planning Health Care for All" by Dr. Anant Phadake Economic & Political Weekly EPW May 21, 2011 vol xlvi no 21discusses in depth about the report.

In India, Provision made regarding health services receives good applaud, where it fails is at in adequate resource allocation and poor governance, substantial growth of private health care sector and progressive down trend of Public sector health care units and sector. India being a diversified country has diversified problems in the implementation of the policy.

Our country has deficit of doctors, specialist, nurses and other para medical staff along with Infrastructure. Recent analysis also says that nearing 30% of qualified Indian doctors are not practicing and are into business, politics and are civil servants. Again, best policy comes with best loop holes while the implementation is made in India that can be made big or small at the discretion of individuals who want to use for ones own development or towards the development of the state.

"Health is no more individual related concerned , it is politically backed and it is "Political Will"