Union Budget: Healthcare challenges and how the government can navigate them

The healthcare industry has always been the core of any flourishing civilisation. Sushruta, the father of surgery, revealed the immense possibilities of medical care in India a long time back. Since then decades have changed and so did the health system. But then there are obstacles and are these obstacles preventable? Yes, absolutely. Proactive government strategies are a sure-shot way of establishing a cooperative and innovative healthcare system in the country. Increased authoritative engagement in healthcare enhancement ensures resilience and better medical availability in the country. Curious to know how? Modern medical challenges Public expenditure on healthcare contributes to only 1.3 per cent of GDP, resulting in compromised healthcare standards. The scarcity of resources, including medical personnel and equipment, is one of the significant healthcare gaps. This observation highlights the need for adequate funding. Sustainability and equitable quality care accessibility need economic back-up and innovative solutions. Issues of accessibility and the financial burden on patients emerge as central concerns. The lack of health insurance among 76 per cent of the Indian population underscores the need for immediate attention to eliminate the medical availability disparities. Existing technological gaps further hinder the overall progress of medical care. However, the integration of advanced technologies can guarantee improved healthcare delivery. Healthcare data mishandling is another growing concern. But a simple solution to it is developing robust security measures. As per some projections, AI utilisation in healthcare resource optimisation could contribute $25 billion to India’s GDP by 2025. Role of government in shaping healthcare The government must actively intervene to address healthcare challenges, prioritising health issues and leveraging governmental resources. A thorough examination of existing healthcare programs and regulations is essential for informed decision-making. The financial strains on the healthcare sector are palpable, with only a meagre 2.2 per cent of GDP allocated officially for public health in FY22. The collaboration between the public and private sectors is not a luxury but a necessity. Their abilities can be combined to maximise resources and expertise, resulting in uniformity. Innovative solutions: A glimpse into the future of healthcare Innovation in software solutions becomes crucial for bridging technology. Analytics-driven solutions can enhance efficiency and ensure optimal utilisation of available resources. Telehealth emerges as a solution for better healthcare accessibility. Its potential impact on remote areas and transformative role in the traditional healthcare delivery model are significant. However, prioritising data security is crucial to building trust in healthcare systems. Reliable encryption methods are imperative in safeguarding patient data. AI integration in healthcare resource optimisation is a practical solution. They are projected to boost efficiency and ensure optimal resource utilisation, with a market growth of $102.7 billion by 2028 Opportunities for cooperation: A path forward The intensive limitations of standardised care and medication administration, restricted availability of quality maternal and paediatric care along with inadequate preventive measures (vaccinations) can be tackled with collaboration and innovation. Modernisation, stakeholder cooperation, and strategic government initiatives are critical to a healthier and robust future. The proposition of establishing a comprehensive healthcare coverage scheme backed with technical enhancements of AI. Further, an increased focus on the marginalised Indian population can also evolve the health status of the country. The author is CEO and Co-founder of HexaHealth. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.