Democratising Healthcare in India: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

India is in a state of distinctive paradox. On one side, it is ranked the fifth largest economy in the world with the aim to be among the top three by 2030, while on the other hand, the country’s equally important health sector lags and is ranked 145 among 195 countries on the Healthcare Access and Quality Index (HAQ; GBD 2016 Healthcare Access and Quality Collaborators, 2018). Despite significant thrust on healthcare and reforms over the last decade that have positively impacted life expectancy, helped lower infant mortality rate and provided better health coverage due to government initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and the National Health Mission, healthcare in India still faces critical challenges and is crippled with many deficiencies around health quality, accessibility, affordability and safety. This perspective article explores the opportunities and challenges in healthcare delivery in India and why it is imperative to implement a framework for connecting all the stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem to facilitate equitable access to quality and affordable healthcare. The article also reflects on models of collaboration, connected health and coopetition to strengthen and streamline the healthcare sector for improved outcomes.