“Universal Health Coverage in India remains a promise more on paper than in practice”. Analyse the institutional and fiscal constraints in achieving it. Examine the gaps in primary health infrastructure. Suggest measures for effective implementation of Ayushman Bharat 2.0.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Q4. “Universal Health Coverage in India remains a promise more on paper than in practice”. Analyse the institutional and fiscal constraints in achieving it. Examine the gaps in primary health infrastructure. Suggest measures for effective implementation of Ayushman Bharat 2.0. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: InsightsIAS
Why the question: Universal Health Coverage is central to India’s health policy under NHP 2017 and SDG 3. The question tests understanding of institutional and fiscal barriers, ground-level infrastructure issues, and the reform pathway through Ayushman Bharat 2.0. Key Demand of the question: Analyse why India’s UHC goals remain underachieved, identify structural and fiscal constraints, examine deficiencies in primary health infrastructure, and suggest pragmatic reforms to make Ayushman Bharat 2.0 more effective. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Define UHC and mention India’s commitment through NHP 2017 and Ayushman Bharat 2.0, highlighting the persisting access–affordability gap. Body: Briefly discuss institutional constraints such as governance fragmentation, weak regulation, and workforce shortages. Examine fiscal limitations like low public spending, high OOPE, and poor fund utilisation. Highlight key gaps in primary healthcare infrastructure and service delivery. Suggest evidence-based measures for effective rollout of Ayushman Bharat 2.0 focusing on decentralisation, digital integration, and HR strengthening. Conclusion: End with the need for cooperative federalism and outcome-based investment to make UHC a practical reality.
Why the question: Universal Health Coverage is central to India’s health policy under NHP 2017 and SDG 3. The question tests understanding of institutional and fiscal barriers, ground-level infrastructure issues, and the reform pathway through Ayushman Bharat 2.0.
Key Demand of the question: Analyse why India’s UHC goals remain underachieved, identify structural and fiscal constraints, examine deficiencies in primary health infrastructure, and suggest pragmatic reforms to make Ayushman Bharat 2.0 more effective.
Structure of the Answer: Introduction:
Define UHC and mention India’s commitment through NHP 2017 and Ayushman Bharat 2.0, highlighting the persisting access–affordability gap. Body:
• Briefly discuss institutional constraints such as governance fragmentation, weak regulation, and workforce shortages.
• Examine fiscal limitations like low public spending, high OOPE, and poor fund utilisation.
• Highlight key gaps in primary healthcare infrastructure and service delivery.
• Suggest evidence-based measures for effective rollout of Ayushman Bharat 2.0 focusing on decentralisation, digital integration, and HR strengthening.
Conclusion:
End with the need for cooperative federalism and outcome-based investment to make UHC a practical reality.