🇮🇳 National Strategy
India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) vision by 2047 aims for universal access to high-quality, affordable healthcare, increasing life expectancy and reducing the national disease burden.
The Foundational Healthcare Vision
A healthy population is essential for a developed nation. Viksit Bharat’s healthcare blueprint includes robust public health systems, preventive care, and accessible infrastructure. This requires expanding medical education and addressing the shortage of skilled personnel. The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is enhancing the healthcare workforce to meet domestic and international standards, with NITI Aayog emphasizing human capital as a key driver of change.
Elevating Allied Health Professionals India
AHPs are critical for diagnostics, rehabilitation, therapy, and preventative care. The Viksit Bharat agenda prioritizes AHPs, recognizing their contribution to patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.
A New Era: Regulation and Growth for AHPs
The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021, formalizes, regulates, and standardizes AHP education and services. The NCAHP is the central regulatory body for ten recognized categories:
- Medical Laboratory and Life Sciences
- Physiotherapy
- Nutrition Science
- Medical Radiology
- Optometry
- Anesthesia Technology
- Operation Theatre Technology
- Renal Dialysis Technology
- Community Health Workers
- Applied Psychology & Behavioral Health
The NCAHP website launched in October 2024, and the mandate for Professional and State Allied and Healthcare Councils signifies progress. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for a multi-skilled workforce, leading to a 200-400% surge in allied health course enrollment.
“The government plans to upgrade institutions and establish new AHP centers to train an additional 100,000 AHPs over five years, focusing on patient-centric models supported by the New Education Policy 2020.”
Addressing the Shortage of Skilled Professionals
A critical shortage of AHPs persists, with an estimated deficit of 6.5 million professionals. India’s healthcare worker density is below WHO recommendations, exacerbated by an urban-rural divide. Key challenges include:
- Faculty Shortages and Infrastructure Gaps
- Inadequate Training based on outdated didactic styles
- Logistical Barriers for continuing education and upskilling
The NCAHP aims to improve professional recognition and career progression through central and state registers. Addressing these challenges is crucial to bridge the demand-supply gap.
Regional Medical Hubs
Viksit Bharat aims to develop regional medical hubs to position India as a global leader in medical value tourism and fortify domestic healthcare. The Union Budget 2026-27 plans for five new regional medical hubs, developed in partnership with the private sector.
Chennai – Cardiology & Oncology
Delhi – Neurology & Ortho
Mumbai – Cosmetic & Surgery
Bangalore – Organ Transplants
Hyderabad – Robotic Procedures
Kolkata – Trauma & Cancer Care
The Power of Public-Private Partnerships
Achieving Viksit Bharat’s healthcare goals requires immense resources and expertise, making Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) crucial. Private sector involvement can accelerate facility creation, attract faculty, and introduce advanced methods.
Innovative Financing & Outcomes
PPPs have a proven track record in India. Private investment commitments reached US$7.7 billion across 25 projects in 2021. Innovative financing mechanisms like blended financing, impact funding, and community health financing are encouraged. The Ministry of Finance provides support through Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to ensure these world-class facilities reach even the most underserved regions.
Conclusion
Viksit Bharat 2047 is committed to a healthier, more prosperous India. The strategic focus on empowering Allied Health Professionals and establishing regional medical hubs via PPPs forms a strong foundation. This integrated approach to human capital and infrastructure development aims for universal access to high-quality care, fostering a developed nation by 2047.
VB
Healthcare Strategy Insights
Focusing on the intersection of medical infrastructure, policy reform, and the future of healthcare in India.
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