Ayushman Bharat has expanded health insurance to over 500 million Indians, the world’s largest health coverage scheme. But coverage is not the same as care.
Our primary healthcare infrastructure remains weak, especially in rural areas. The doctor-patient ratio of 1:1,500 falls short of the WHO recommendation. Specialist availability in district hospitals is alarmingly low.
We need a three-pronged approach: First, dramatically increase medical education capacity. Second, strengthen the primary health center network with adequate equipment and supplies. Third, leverage technology — telemedicine, AI-assisted diagnostics, digital health records — to extend specialist care to underserved regions.
Mental health, long ignored, must become a priority. The pandemic has highlighted the silent epidemic affecting millions, especially the youth.