India stands at a crucial crossroads,” says the memorandum adding, “We must reject unchecked privatization and instead reaffirm our constitutional commitment to universal and equitable healthcare for all.”
Bhopal: Jan Swasthya Abhiyan India (JSAI) has submitted a detailed memorandum to Rajya Sabha committee on Health and Family Welfare underlining its concern over affordability and accessibility of healthcare in India for a sizeable section of society, as per JSAI spokesperson.
As per the JSAI’s Amulya Nidhi, it presented a robust set of policy recommendations for systemic reform.
As per the JSAI the following are the key concern and major recommendations highlighted in the memorandum submitted to the RS committee chaired by Prof Ram Gopal Yadav:
Key Concern Highlighted Through Memorandum:
Out-of-Pocket Expenditure: Despite government schemes, 47.1% of total health expenditure still comes directly from people’s pockets.
Inadequate Public Health Infrastructure: India’s public health spending remains at a low 1.35% of GDP, with critical gaps in rural health services.
Human Resource Crisis in Health: Over 80% shortfall in specialist doctors at CHCs, and many medical colleges lack adequate faculty.
Widening Health Inequities: Marginalized communities, including tribal, dalit, women and people with disabilities, continue to face structural discrimination in access to care.
Privatization and PPP Concerns: The growing handover of public hospitals to private players under PPP models is eroding public accountability and access.
Occupational and Environmental Health Neglect: With millions at risk of silicosis and pollution-linked diseases, urgent safeguards and regulatory responses are lacking.
Major Recommendations:
Strengthen Public Health System: Raise public health spending to 5% of GDP; ensure recruitment of permanent staff; improve infrastructure, drug availability and diagnostics.
Universal, Equitable Healthcare: Enact a Right to Health and Healthcare Act; shift to a publicly funded system instead of insurance-driven models like PMJAY.
Effective Regulation of Private Sector: Implement Clinical Establishments Act in all states; ensure price regulation, grievance redress, and ethical standards.
Community Participation: Institutionalize community-based monitoring and empower village health committees.
Address Social Determinants: Integrate healthcare with nutrition, sanitation, clean drinking water, and housing schemes, especially in tribal and underserved regions.
JSAI’s Call On Action:
India stands at a crucial crossroads,” says the memorandum adding, “We must reject unchecked privatization and instead reaffirm our constitutional commitment to universal and equitable healthcare for all.”
JSAI has demanded a constructive dialogue and policy action that puts people’s health first.
