All the government’s latest healthcare programs are heavily reliant on private entities. However, absolute privatization of healthcare will be counterintuitive for the vulnerable population. Undermining the role of state-funded hospitals will force the poor to pay more at private hospitals widening the gap between rich and poor.
Moreover, the private players being in total control will lead to a lopsided distribution of health services and the potential rationing of goods and services for profit. Thus, pumping more money into the public health sector is essential.
The establishment of universal healthcare will require a mixed model wherein the government does the dual role of healthcare provider and regulator. A regulatory body is necessary to monitor private hospitals and hold them accountable against a set of guidelines. The state’s role in public welfare needs to be reiterated so that citizens are not at the mercy of private corporations that treat health as a commodity rather than a public good.