National Health Service (NHS) is a government-run organization in the UK funded by taxpayers’ money. Despite its shortcomings, it is considered one of the best healthcare systems in the world. With programs like Ayushman Bharat India intends to replicate the model to achieve Universal Healthcare for all by 2030. However, we are confronted with multiple challenges:
– The 500 million people expected to benefit from the program have been enrolled directly due to their Below Poverty Line status. The government needs to spread awareness about health programs at the grassroots level.
– India is struggling with ‘Missing Doctors Syndrome’ whereby 82% of posts in Community Health Centers are vacant. Rural Health Statistics report an even grimmer situation in rural areas that face a severe shortage of specialists namely surgeons, pediatricians, physicians, and gynecologists.
– Lack of people’s trust in government healthcare is a deterrent to universal healthcare, with politicians and bureaucrats also favoring private hospitals.