Under the federal system of India, state governments are mostly in charge of managing healthcare, making them the primary suppliers of medical services. Nonetheless, the central government (GoI) is essential in establishing policies and providing funding. Conflicts frequently result from this dual responsibilities, which are made worse by political rivalries. The Prime Minister recently underlined that in areas like Delhi and West Bengal, political differences are impeding older people’s access to the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
It is impossible to overestimate the importance of state-sponsored health programs like Ayushman Bharat. In India, out-of-pocket (OOP) medical costs push almost 63 million individuals into poverty every year. This emphasizes how vital it is to have efficient health support services. As demonstrated by the RG Kar event, which exposed serious flaws in service delivery, West Bengal’s healthcare sector has encountered numerous difficulties, although Delhi retains a comparatively strong healthcare structure.
Ayushman Bharat has successfully offered vital support to families dealing with life-threatening medical conditions in states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Jharkhand, Punjab, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh, demonstrating that opposition-led states are not always obstructive. This suggests that the standard of healthcare that citizens have access to shouldn’t be determined by their political affiliation.
Ayushman Bharat has significant flaws in spite of its promise. Only roughly 56% of the eligible population is now covered by the program, which is hampered by the small number of empanelled hospitals. States’ usage rates differ greatly from one another, and many are still dealing with high OOP costs and widespread corruption. Access to comprehensive services is further limited since private hospitals frequently hesitant to fully participate. The effectiveness of the plan is further complicated by data inconsistencies.
The GoI and state governments must work together to address these challenges. The structure of Ayushman Bharat needs to be strengthened by both organizations in order to successfully assist those in need and get rid of corruption and inefficiency. To increase the scheme’s impact, a coordinated strategy is necessary rather than letting political objectives impede healthcare. Both tiers of government can guarantee the healthcare system’s continued stability and accessibility by concentrating on shared objectives, which will eventually help India’s most vulnerable citizens.
SOURCE :
ECONOMIC TIMES
