India is witnessing a significant shift in healthcare behavior as more people embrace preventive wellness over reactive treatment. Rising awareness about lifestyle diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and heart-related conditions, is encouraging individuals to undergo regular health screenings and diagnostic tests. Industry data shows preventive health checkups are growing rapidly across urban and semi-urban regions, reflecting a broader cultural transformation in healthcare priorities. Experts believe early detection and routine monitoring can reduce long-term medical costs and improve quality of life. What is driving India's wellness revolution, and how could it reshape the country's healthcare landscape in the years ahead?


India shifts from illness to wellness

#Gravitas New Indian government data has reignited tough questions about gender equity in India's organ transplant system. Data shows that women continue to donate organs in far greater numbers than men. But when it comes to receiving life-saving transplants, the picture reverses completely. 

Gender Gap Persists in India's Organ Transplants

Primary healthcare in India refers to the first level of contact that individuals have with the healthcare system. It is designed to provide preventive, promotive, and curative healthcare services to communities and individuals, and to address the most common health issues and needs of the population.

Primary healthcare in India refers to the first level of contact that individuals have with the healthcare system. It is designed to provide preventive, promotive, and curative healthcare services to communities and individuals, and to address the most common health issues and needs of the population. Primary healthcare is an important component of the healthcare system in India because it is the first point of contact for many people seeking healthcare, and it can play a crucial role in preventing and managing common health problems. However, the state of primary healthcare in India is generally considered to be inadequate. There are also significant disparities in the quality and availability of primary healthcare between different regions of the country. There are several pathways that India could take to provide primary healthcare to all its citizens: > Expand and improve the public healthcare system: This could involve increasing funding for the public healthcare system, hiring and training more healthcare workers, and improving the infrastructure and equipment at public healthcare facilities. The benefits of this approach include the fact that it would make healthcare more accessible and affordable for many people, especially those who are unable to afford private healthcare. Challenges may include the cost of expanding and improving the public healthcare system, and the time and resources required to make these improvements. > Increase the role of private healthcare providers: This could involve encouraging private hospitals and clinics to provide more primary healthcare services, and potentially offering incentives to do so. The benefits of this approach include the fact that private healthcare providers may be able to provide higher quality care than the public healthcare system. Challenges may include the fact that private healthcare is often more expensive than public healthcare, which could be a barrier for many people, and there may be concerns about the potential for profit-seeking to take priority over patient care. > Implement a universal healthcare system: This could involve establishing a system in which all citizens have access to healthcare services regardless of their ability to pay. The benefits of this approach include the fact that it would provide equal access to healthcare for all citizens and could potentially improve overall health outcomes. Challenges may include the cost of establishing and maintaining a universal healthcare system and the potential for it to be inefficient or overburdened. > Encourage the use of traditional forms of medicine: This could involve promoting the use of traditional forms of medicine, such as Ayurveda and homoeopathy, as an alternative or supplement to modern Western medicine. The benefits of this approach include the fact that traditional forms of medicine may be more affordable and accessible than modern Western medicine, and they may be more culturally acceptable to some people. Challenges may include the lack of scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of some traditional forms of medicine and the potential for traditional and modern forms of medicine to conflict with each other. One approach that India has taken is to expand and improve the public healthcare system. The government has made efforts to increase funding for the public healthcare system, hire and train more healthcare workers, and improve the infrastructure and equipment at public healthcare facilities. Data indicates that government expenditures on primary healthcare have increased from 51.1% in 2013-14 to 55.2% in 2018-19. Further, the government's per capita expenditure on healthcare has increased by 74% since 2013-14, from Rs. 1042 to Rs. 1815 in 2018-19. India has also increased the role of private healthcare providers, encouraging them to provide more primary healthcare services and potentially offering incentives to do so. What are some of the government's initiatives to improve healthcare in India? The government of India has launched several programs to encourage and support primary healthcare in the country. Some examples of these programs include: > Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission: This program provides free healthcare services, including primary healthcare, to certain vulnerable populations, such as people living below the poverty line, elderly individuals, and women and children. > National Rural Health Mission: This program aims to improve the availability and accessibility of healthcare services in rural areas, with a focus on primary healthcare. It includes initiatives such as the establishment of health and wellness centres, which provide a range of primary healthcare services, as well as training and capacity-building for healthcare workers. > Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana: This program provides health insurance coverage to people living below the poverty line, including coverage for primary healthcare services. > Janani Suraksha Yojana: This program aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality by providing financial incentives to encourage pregnant women to deliver their babies at health facilities and to adopt healthy practices during pregnancy and childbirth. > National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke: This program aims to prevent and control non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, through a combination of primary prevention measures and early detection and management of these conditions at the primary healthcare level. Overall, these programs aim to improve the availability, accessibility, and quality of primary healthcare services in India, and to encourage the use of primary healthcare to prevent and manage common health problems. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

The state of primary healthcare in India

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-row-muslim-leaders-clerics-to-meet-pm-modi-amit-shah-270594">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Sunday urged the people to come together and take up the task of providing health services to the poor and make efforts to uplift them in the society.

"All of us study in myriad colleges, universities, and schools. But after completing studies, alumni meets are joyous occasions. If this union comprises a shared purpose, a resolve, an emotional connect, it lends additional hues to the event," said Prime Minister Modi in his monthly radio programme <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mann-ki-baat-pm-modi-announces-launch-of-fit-india-school-rankings-264257">'Mann Ki Baat'</a>.

"I wish to present before you a special occasion. Just recently, I came across in the media a story on the Bhairavganj Health Centre in West Champaran district of Bihar&nbsp;At this Bhairavganj Health Centre, thousands of people from neighbouring villages converged for a free health check-up. This was not a government programme nor was it a government initiative. This was a step taken as part of an alumni meet organised by former students of the local KR High School. They named it Sankalp 95. Sankalp 95 means the resolve undertaken by the 1995 batch of that high school."

Also Watch:&nbsp;Mann Ki Baat-&nbsp;60th episode of PM Modi's monthly radio programme

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In a bid to motivate the listeners, the Prime Minister also gave an example of another group from Bihar, who undertook a task of health care delivery.&nbsp;

He also talked about the women group in Phulpur, who aligned with the self-help group of Kadipur, joined in learning the skill of making slippers to come out of poverty.

"These women of Phulpur were hampered by financial constraints and poverty, but they had the resolve to do something for their families and society. I especially congratulate the local police and their families, who encouraged these women entrepreneurs by purchasing slippers for themselves and their families made by these women."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the people to come together and take up the task of providing health services to the poor and make efforts to uplift them in the society.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the people to come together and take up the task of providing health services to the poor and make efforts to uplift them in the society. "All of us study in myriad colleges, universities, and schools. But after completing studies, alumni meets are joyous occasions. If this union comprises a shared purpose, a resolve, an emotional connect, it lends additional hues to the event," said Prime Minister Modi in his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'. "I wish to present before you a special occasion. Just recently, I came across in the media a story on the Bhairavganj Health Centre in West Champaran district of Bihar At this Bhairavganj Health Centre, thousands of people from neighbouring villages converged for a free health check-up. This was not a government programme nor was it a government initiative. This was a step taken as part of an alumni meet organised by former students of the local KR High School. They named it Sankalp 95. Sankalp 95 means the resolve undertaken by the 1995 batch of that high school." Also Watch: Mann Ki Baat- 60th episode of PM Modi's monthly radio programme × In a bid to motivate the listeners, the Prime Minister also gave an example of another group from Bihar, who undertook a task of health care delivery. He also talked about the women group in Phulpur, who aligned with the self-help group of Kadipur, joined in learning the skill of making slippers to come out of poverty. "These women of Phulpur were hampered by financial constraints and poverty, but they had the resolve to do something for their families and society. I especially congratulate the local police and their families, who encouraged these women entrepreneurs by purchasing slippers for themselves and their families made by these women."

Mann Ki Baat: Prime Minister Modi urges people to take up task to uplift poor

Minister of State for Health, Anupriya Patel, in a written statement in Parliament on December 9 shared the progress made on various counts in the healthcare sector vis a vis the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Upon their announcement at the turn of the millennium, India had responded enthusiastically to the MDGs.&nbsp;

The government has recently turned in a mixed report card. Health and nutrition are two areas where India has fallen short of expectations and this should worry all the stakeholders. As per the latest Lancet report on December 11, 2016, India fares worst amongst the BRICS nations in terms of healthcare.&nbsp;

Here are a few takeaways from the minister&rsquo;s statement:

<ul>
	<li>Between 2000 and 2015, the new HIV infections dropped from 2.51 lakhs to 86 thousand, a reduction of 66 per cent. Similarly, AIDS-related deaths have declined to 54 per cent from 2007-2015. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>For MDG-4 on reducing child mortality, India has achieved Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) of 45 per 1000 live births during 2014 as against the target of 42 per 1000 live births in 2015 from 126 per 1000 live births in 1990.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

With regard to MDG-5 on improving maternal health, India was supposed to reduce Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) from 556 per 1,00,000 live births in 1990 to 139 in 2015. India has achieved MMR of 167, as per the Health Ministry.

One of the biggest challenges in the field of healthcare policy formulation is lack of sufficient data. Data gap, periodicity and coverage issues at sub-state level hamper assessment and monitoring efforts. The current government&rsquo;s thrust on digital governance should address this issue. &nbsp;

Another major challenge is at the level of implementation of the government initiatives and schemes. The health sector in India is particularly prone to corruption and pilferage which needs to be tackled urgently. For example, the insurance benefits targeting the BPL families in rural areas do not reach the intended beneficiaries due to malpractices. More transparency in operation of such schemes is needed by using technology optimally. The government must also ensure accountability of health services delivery and related institutions.&nbsp;

Attitudinal hindrances are also a big factor resulting in limited implementation due to non-compliance as observed in reproduction and women&rsquo;s health related schemes. Skewed sex ratio and worrying rate of population growth exemplify this scenario. As observed in the MDG country report, the performance of four states &nbsp;-- UP, Bihar, MP and Rajasthan - - together contributes to 67 % of MMR in the country. This, along with the child mortality data, should be seen as an indicator of social attitudes in these states towards women&rsquo;s health right from their day of birth. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
In the context of MDG on maternal health, a report of the UN Rapporteur on Health identified that lack of &ldquo;health work force is a major bottleneck in India.&rdquo; It holds true largely for all the health initiatives that the government has launched. In a sad paradox, India has not been able to utilise its demographic dividend optimally. Despite the various training and recruitment drives, skilled healthcare personnel are not available in sufficient numbers. The situation is particularly grim in villages where absenteeism, despite government policy on mandatory service of newly qualified doctors in rural areas, has assumed an alarming proportion.&nbsp;

As per the WHO estimates, almost 65% of India&rsquo;s population is still dependent on traditional medicines for health-related needs as well as sustenance. UNDP has recognised this potential and has been partnering with the government to promote sustainable use and conservation of medicinal plants since 2008. With the formation of AYUSH Ministry in 2014, this potential can be further tapped and regulated. The practice of patenting traditional medication by multinational pharmaceutical companies, thus restricting access, needs to be paid due attention. Further, there needs to be a crackdown on quackery and spurious drug usage. &nbsp;

India&rsquo;s health policy has been fairly progressive. Fixing the lacunae at the level of implementation and close monitoring are likely to result in a positive healthcare scenario in the country. To achieve the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), India needs to pay attention to the concerns shared above.&nbsp;

(WION)

India?s mixed report card for Millennium Development Goals (Health) should alert the government towards the shortfalls

Minister of State for Health, Anupriya Patel, in a written statement in Parliament on December 9 shared the progress made on various counts in the healthcare sector vis a vis the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Upon their announcement at the turn of the millennium, India had responded enthusiastically to the MDGs. The government has recently turned in a mixed report card. Health and nutrition are two areas where India has fallen short of expectations and this should worry all the stakeholders. As per the latest Lancet report on December 11, 2016, India fares worst amongst the BRICS nations in terms of healthcare. Here are a few takeaways from the minister’s statement: Between 2000 and 2015, the new HIV infections dropped from 2.51 lakhs to 86 thousand, a reduction of 66 per cent. Similarly, AIDS-related deaths have declined to 54 per cent from 2007-2015. For MDG-4 on reducing child mortality, India has achieved Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) of 45 per 1000 live births during 2014 as against the target of 42 per 1000 live births in 2015 from 126 per 1000 live births in 1990. With regard to MDG-5 on improving maternal health, India was supposed to reduce Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) from 556 per 1,00,000 live births in 1990 to 139 in 2015. India has achieved MMR of 167, as per the Health Ministry. One of the biggest challenges in the field of healthcare policy formulation is lack of sufficient data. Data gap, periodicity and coverage issues at sub-state level hamper assessment and monitoring efforts. The current government’s thrust on digital governance should address this issue. Another major challenge is at the level of implementation of the government initiatives and schemes. The health sector in India is particularly prone to corruption and pilferage which needs to be tackled urgently. For example, the insurance benefits targeting the BPL families in rural areas do not reach the intended beneficiaries due to malpractices. More transparency in operation of such schemes is needed by using technology optimally. The government must also ensure accountability of health services delivery and related institutions. Attitudinal hindrances are also a big factor resulting in limited implementation due to non-compliance as observed in reproduction and women’s health related schemes. Skewed sex ratio and worrying rate of population growth exemplify this scenario. As observed in the MDG country report, the performance of four states -- UP, Bihar, MP and Rajasthan - - together contributes to 67 % of MMR in the country. This, along with the child mortality data, should be seen as an indicator of social attitudes in these states towards women’s health right from their day of birth. In the context of MDG on maternal health, a report of the UN Rapporteur on Health identified that lack of “health work force is a major bottleneck in India.” It holds true largely for all the health initiatives that the government has launched. In a sad paradox, India has not been able to utilise its demographic dividend optimally. Despite the various training and recruitment drives, skilled healthcare personnel are not available in sufficient numbers. The situation is particularly grim in villages where absenteeism, despite government policy on mandatory service of newly qualified doctors in rural areas, has assumed an alarming proportion. As per the WHO estimates, almost 65% of India’s population is still dependent on traditional medicines for health-related needs as well as sustenance. UNDP has recognised this potential and has been partnering with the government to promote sustainable use and conservation of medicinal plants since 2008. With the formation of AYUSH Ministry in 2014, this potential can be further tapped and regulated. The practice of patenting traditional medication by multinational pharmaceutical companies, thus restricting access, needs to be paid due attention. Further, there needs to be a crackdown on quackery and spurious drug usage. India’s health policy has been fairly progressive. Fixing the lacunae at the level of implementation and close monitoring are likely to result in a positive healthcare scenario in the country. To achieve the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), India needs to pay attention to the concerns shared above. (WION)

India?s healthcare programmes: Government gives a mixed report card