A strong healthcare system is the foundation of a developed nation. For India to achieve the dream of Viksit Bharat 2047, it must ensure that every citizen has access to affordable, quality, and inclusive healthcare services. The launch of Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in 2018 was a major milestone toward universal health coverage. Along with digital health initiatives and medical infrastructure expansion, India is steadily building a healthier and stronger nation.
Importance of Healthcare in Viksit Bharat
- Improves life expectancy and quality of life.
- Reduces poverty by minimizing out-of-pocket health expenses.
- Creates a productive workforce for economic growth.
- Ensures inclusivity by covering rural, poor, and marginalized communities.
Ayushman Bharat: Transforming Healthcare in India
1. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)
- World’s largest government-funded health insurance scheme.
- Provides ₹5 lakh health coverage per family per year.
- Covers more than 1,500 medical procedures including surgeries and treatments.
- Benefiting 50 crore citizens, especially from low-income groups.
2. Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs)
- Over 1.5 lakh centres being developed across India.
- Provide free primary healthcare, diagnostics, and medicines.
- Focus on preventive healthcare for diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
3. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)
- Creates a digital health ID for every citizen.
- Enables easy access to medical history and e-health records.
- Strengthens telemedicine and online consultations.
Other Healthcare Initiatives Supporting Viksit Bharat
- Mission Indradhanush – universal immunization program.
- National Health Mission (NHM) – improving rural healthcare infrastructure.
- PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission – modernizing hospitals and labs.
- e-Sanjeevani – telemedicine services for remote areas.
- Jan Aushadhi Kendras – affordable generic medicines for all.
Challenges in India’s Healthcare Sector
- Shortage of doctors, nurses, and medical staff in rural areas.
- Unequal distribution of healthcare facilities across states.
- Rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
- Need for stronger mental health support.
- High pressure on public hospitals.
Way Forward: Healthcare for Viksit Bharat 2047
To make healthcare a pillar of Viksit Bharat, India must:
- Increase public spending on health to at least 3% of GDP.
- Expand Ayushman Bharat coverage with more hospitals and specialists.
- Strengthen telemedicine and AI-based diagnostics.
- Promote Ayush and holistic medicine along with modern healthcare.
- Focus on preventive healthcare and wellness awareness.
- Build more medical colleges and research institutes.
