Question

Which of the following statements are true reagrding the 'Health Sector' of India ?

1. The public hospital system, accessible to all Indian residents, is predominantly funded through general taxation
2. The National Health Policy was initially adopted by the Parliament in 1992
3. The private healthcare sector plays a predominant role in delivering healthcare services across the country

• A. iii only
• B. i, ii
• C. i, iii
• D. i only

Answer 1

Answer:

C. i, iii

Health Sector of India

• In India, the healthcare system operates on a multi-payer model, where a mix of public and private health insurance funds, along with tax-funded public hospitals, contribute to the financing of healthcare services

The public hospital system in India

• The public hospital system in India is financed primarily through general taxation.
• It ensuries that essential healthcare services are accessible to all Indian residents.
• This funding mechanism allows the public healthcare system to provide medical treatment and services to individuals without significant financial barriers, with only nominal co-payments required in certain cases.

The National Health Policy 

• The National Health Policy was first endorsed by the Parliament of India in 1983.
• It laid the groundwork for addressing key healthcare issues and challenges, aimed at improving the overall healthcare system in the country.
• The policy has undergone several revisions, with the most recent update in 2017, highlighting the need for comprehensive healthcare reforms and the pursuit of universal healthcare coverage in the long term.

The private healthcare sector

• The private healthcare sector significantly contributes to the delivery of healthcare services in India
• A substantial portion of the population rely upon private healthcare providers for medical treatment and services.
• Many individuals and families often opt for private healthcare facilities due to various factors, including perceived quality, accessibility, and specialized care offerings.
• According to National Family Health Survey-3, the private medical sector remains the primary source of health care for 70% of households in urban areas and 63% of households in rural areas.