India is taking a big step ahead toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to ensure a healthier tomorrow.
Dr. Bharati Pawar, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare of India, posted a video on Twitter revealing India's plan for expanding Universal Health Coverage.
She named initiatives under India's G20 Presidency that would pave the way for India toward UHC. Dr. Pawar also posted the theme of India's G20 presidency which is 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.'
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is derived from a Sanskrit phrase that means "The World is One Family." The phrase is synonymous with the principles of Universal Health Coverage.
According to WHO, Universal Health Coverage (UHC) aims that all people to have access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without facing financial hardship.
The essential health services should include all aspects like treatment, prevention, promotion, rehabilitation, and palliative care.
Achieving UHC is a major target for the world for 2030 when they adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) - It is the world's largest Government-sponsored health insurance scheme. It aims at providing insurance of Rs. 5 lakhs per family. The scheme covers about 50 crores of citizens of India.
Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres - They were launched under the Ayushman Bharat Programme to provide health services. India has around 1,33,981 health and wellness centres as of December 2022.
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission - It is a mission launched to develop an integrated digital health infrastructure for the country.
Mission Indradhanush - It was launched in December 2014 to provide and increase coverage of vaccines for children and pregnant women throughout the country.
eSanjeevini - It was launched in November 2019. It is India's first Government scheme that provides OPD (outpatient) care to patients on an online platform.
Tele-MANAS - The Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States is an initiative to provide comprehensive mental care services in India. It was launched in October 2022.
Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Infrastructure Mission
Disease Elimination
G20 is a group that includes 19 countries and the European Nation. They deal with important issues like healthcare, the economy, financial stability, sustainable development, etc.
India officially took over the presidency of G20 in 2023. India has an opportunity to set an agenda for healthcare. Healthcare has always been a priority area for G20 since 2017.