The Union Budget of India plays a critical role in defining the trajectory of the country’s healthcare system. With a growing population, evolving health needs, and new global challenges like climate change, the allocation for healthcare must address immediate concerns while building a robust, future-ready framework. Below are key areas that should be prioritized in the upcoming budget

Enhancing Public Health Funding

Currently, India spends approximately 1.5% of its GDP on healthcare, far below the global average. The budget must increase this allocation to at least 3% of GDP to meet the growing healthcare demands. The additional funds can be channeled into:

1. Primary Healthcare Strengthening

Scaling up primary healthcare centers (PHCs) to ensure they are well-equipped with medicines, diagnostic tools, and trained personnel.

2. Health Insurance Expansion

Broadening health insurance coverage to include underserved populations, particularly in rural and tribal areas.

3. Research and Development

Allocating funds for medical research to innovate affordable treatment options and develop indigenous medical devices.

 Prioritising accessible affordable healthcare delivery to all our citizens

 focusing on facilities for senior citizens, 

the inclusion of lifestyle medicine and  prevention of disease

climate-resilient health systems,

the increased adoption of technology to enhance healthcare delivery.

A major recommendation would be to increase the budgetary allocation for Healthcare. There may be limitations in this, but in order to make the PMJAY  a practical and useful program, it will be necessary to rationalize the prices through a scientific costing study to make it sustainable for private healthcare providers who are the largest potential users of this scheme of Hospitals in the program. 

It is strongly recommended that copayment also be considered, in view of limitations due to limited finances 

Once the pricing has been scientifically established, all Private hospitals in the country will be happy to be part of this excellent initiative, which will ensure healthcare to all our citizens

Strengthening Facilities and Amenities for Senior Citizens

India’s aging population is growing rapidly, with over 138 million individuals aged 60 and above as of 2021. This demographic shift necessitates a targeted allocation in the budget to cater to the health and well-being of senior citizens. Key recommendations include:

1. Geriatric Healthcare Infrastructure

• Establishing dedicated geriatric wards in government and private hospitals to provide specialized care.

• Expanding day-care centers for seniors that focus on preventive healthcare, routine checkups, and mental well-being.

2. Home-Based Healthcare Services

The government should incentivize telemedicine and home-care services tailored for seniors who may have mobility issues. Subsidies or tax benefits for healthcare startups offering such services could accelerate their adoption.

3. Health Insurance and Subsidized Care

• Expanding the coverage of Ayushman Bharat or similar schemes to include more senior citizens, particularly those in rural areas.

• Offering tax incentives for families supporting elderly dependents to encourage better healthcare investment at the household level.

4. Focus on Mental Health

Allocating funds for the mental health of seniors is essential. Community support programs addressing loneliness, dementia, and depression can improve their quality of life.

Addressing Lifestyle Diseases Through Lifestyle Medicine

India faces a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, which now account for nearly 65% of all deaths in the country. A proactive approach through lifestyle medicine can significantly curb this trend.

1. Lifestyle Clinics and Wellness Centers

• The government should fund lifestyle clinics integrated into primary healthcare centers. These clinics could focus on promoting dietary modifications, physical activity, stress management, and behavior change for disease prevention and management.

2. Public Awareness Campaigns

Nationwide campaigns emphasizing the importance of preventive healthcare and lifestyle changes should be scaled up. Partnerships with private sector organizations, NGOs, and influencers can make these campaigns more impactful.

3. Nutrition and Exercise in Schools and Workplaces

• Allocating funds for programs that promote healthy eating and regular exercise in schools.

• Incentivizing employers to implement workplace wellness programs can also be a game-changer in addressing lifestyle-related health challenges.

4. Incentives for Research

• Increased funding for research on the effectiveness of lifestyle medicine in Indian settings.

• Collaborations between healthcare institutions and universities to develop evidence-based guidelines for lifestyle medicine interventions.

Health Sector Preparedness for Climate Change

Climate change is emerging as a significant health challenge, exacerbating the spread of diseases, increasing vulnerability to heatwaves, and straining existing healthcare infrastructure. The upcoming budget must consider:

1. Climate-Resilient Healthcare Infrastructure

• Allocating funds for the construction and retrofitting of hospitals and clinics to withstand extreme weather events like floods and heatwaves.

• Introducing renewable energy solutions such as solar panels in healthcare facilities, especially in rural areas, to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

2. Monitoring and Disease Surveillance

• Developing a robust national disease surveillance system to track climate-sensitive diseases such as vector-borne illnesses like malaria and dengue.

• Funding for climate-health research to assess regional vulnerabilities and design mitigation strategies.

3. Disaster Preparedness

• Budgetary provisions for mobile medical units equipped to provide emergency care in disaster-hit regions.

• Training healthcare workers in disaster response and climate-related health risks.

4. Environmental Health Awareness

• Promoting awareness about the health impacts of climate change among communities.

• Integrating environmental health topics into medical and nursing curricula to prepare future healthcare professionals for emerging challenges.

Harnessing Technology to Revolutionize Healthcare Delivery

Technology has the potential to transform India’s healthcare landscape, making it more accessible, efficient, and patient-centric. The upcoming budget must prioritize investments in digital health infrastructure and technology adoption:

1. Telemedicine Expansion

• Allocating funds to expand telemedicine services, especially in remote and underserved areas.

• Subsidizing internet and digital devices for healthcare access in rural regions.

2. Electronic Health Records (EHR)

• Rolling out EHR systems nationwide to improve data sharing, reduce redundancies, and enhance patient care.

• Offering incentives for healthcare providers to adopt digital health solutions.

3. AI and Machine Learning in Diagnostics

• Promoting AI-driven tools for early disease detection, such as cancer screening and prediction of disease outbreaks.

• Funding startups and research projects working on AI applications in healthcare.

4. Wearable and IoT Devices

• Supporting the development and affordability of wearable health devices that monitor chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

• Integrating these devices into government health schemes to track patients’ progress in real-time.

5. Skill Development in Digital Health

• Introducing programs to train healthcare workers in using advanced technology.

• Ensuring that rural and semi-urban healthcare providers are equipped to handle digital tools and platforms.

Conclusion

The upcoming Union Budget offers an opportunity to reimagine India’s healthcare sector by addressing current gaps and preparing for future challenges. Special focus on senior citizens, promotion of lifestyle medicine, preparedness for climate change, and leveraging technology can set the foundation for a more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable healthcare system. By increasing public health funding and prioritizing these areas, India can move closer to achieving universal health coverage and improving health outcomes for its citizens.