New Delhi: On the completion of the first 100 days of the newly elected government in power, the Association of Healthcare Providers of India (AHPI) has presented a comprehensive agenda that aims to transform Healthcare sector and building a ‘Healthy India.’ Representing the majority of hospitals across India, AHPI emphasises that the NDA government, now in its third consecutive term, must prioritise game-changing initiatives to enhance the well-being of society at large.

Firstly, AHPI highlighted the importance of promotive and preventive health measures, sanitation under the Swachh Bharat initiative, access to clean drinking water, and improved nutrition with a focus on millets. public health All these aspects are essential for preventing diseases and promoting overall well-being.

The association has urged for speedy operationalisation of all sub-centres and urban health centres. These centres should provide educational material on preventive health in local languages and screen for infectious and non-infectious diseases. Trained AYUSH doctors should be used for health promotion roles, while curative roles should remain under the allopathic stream.

Dr. Girdhar Gyani, Director General, AHPI, emphasized the need for strategic policy implementation and increased funding. He said, “The new government has a unique opportunity to transform India’s healthcare landscape. By focusing on key areas, we can create a strong, efficient and inclusive healthcare system that ensures the well-being of every Indian.” Emerging health threats such as mental health, geriatrics, stroke, cancer, adult immunization and the impact of climate on human health must be prioritized. Government spending on healthcare must be increased to achieve universal health coverage and effectively address these pressing issues.

AHPI has suggested high-intensity promotion of the Fit India Movement to emphasise the importance of physical exercise and yoga. It said occupational health schemes can be strengthened and fitness culture can be promoted by targeting schools, gram panchayats, resident welfare associations (RWAs) and enterprises, leading to improved overall population health.

To prevent overcrowding in premier institutions like AIIMS, the body has proposed a strict referral system. This system will ensure that patients are appropriately referred from sub-centres to primary health centres (PHCs), community health centres (CHCs), district hospitals, medical colleges, and finally to AIIMS only for tertiary level ailments, thereby streamlining patient flow and improving healthcare delivery efficiency.

Public health institutions must be made accountable and professional. Taking inspiration from countries where public health facilities are preferred over private ones, AHPI suggests placing these institutions under autonomous state boards. These boards will receive partial funding from the government and raise additional funds independently, ensuring better management and accountability.

Further, the association recognises the potential of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, but calls for its restructuring. The scheme has not reached all the beneficiaries identified under SECC-2011, and it is important to include senior citizens not covered under other schemes. Additionally, addressing issues such as non-viable rates and delayed reimbursement, which cause many private hospitals to drop out of the scheme, is crucial to its success.

India currently has less than two beds, while according to the World Health Organisation there are 3.5 beds per 1000 population. Encouraging the private sector to set up tertiary care hospitals in tier-3 cities and addressing the shortage of specialists by opening specialized PG colleges are important steps. Promoting indigenisation of high-tech medical equipment and pushing the National Digital Health Mission, including ABHA cards and portability of medical records, can greatly improve the healthcare sector.

As the Union Budget approaches, the association said it expects significant allocations for the healthcare sector to support these initiatives. It said the first 100 days of the new government will be crucial in charting the course for a healthy India.