India’s healthcare industry needs reformative approach to pivot change: Experts

Asia Healthcare Holdings emphasizes the need for transformative healthcare reforms to position the sector as a future priority. Despite budget allocations of Rs. 79,221 crore for 2023-24 and Rs. 90,171 crore in the 2024 interim budget, healthcare spending remains below the 2.5% GDP target, hindering long-term goals.

Key priorities include boosting stimulus, improving policies, adopting digital tools, and expanding the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission to enhance rural healthcare. The focus must be on substantial changes, including upgrading public infrastructure, medical colleges, and rural healthcare systems.

Public-private partnerships and bolstering medical education are essential. While 157 new medical colleges have been approved, there's a lack of teaching faculty. Private clinicians should take academic roles to address this.

The government should incentivize private sector investment in tier 2-3 cities and support indigenous medical technology manufacturing to reduce dependency on imports. Comprehensive reforms in the 2025 budget are crucial for healthcare to accelerate GDP growth.