Increase health spend, improve drug regulation: IMA to parties

NT Correspondent

New Delhi: The Indian Medical Association's recently released health manifesto, ahead of this year's Lok Sabha election, has drawnt attention to several critical issues plaguing the nation's healthcare system.

According to Scroll, the manifesto, unveiled on February 8, highlights concerns regarding the current state of the country's drug regulatory framework, insufficient government expenditure on healthcare, and the escalating out-of-pocket expenses that are driving more individuals into poverty.

Additionally, the manifesto underscores the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance and identifies deficiencies in the implementation of the government-backed Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.

Presented to key political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party, Indian National Congress, Trinamool Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, Nationalist Congress Party, and Samajwadi Party, the manifesto aims to elevate healthcare issues on the political agenda.

The document also draws attention to India's overall health expenditure, which, at an estimated 3.8% of the gross domestic product, falls short in comparison to many low and middle-income countries where healthcare spending averages around 5.2% of GDP.

“India’s health system is overwhelmingly financed by out-of-pocket [OOP] expenditures incurred by households,” the manifesto said.

“…Government funding, provided by both the central and state governments, currently constitutes approximately one-third of all health spending, with states accounting for nearly twothirds of total government health expenditure.”

Urging parties to focus on healthcare, the Indian Medical Association also drew their attention towards the country’s weak drug control infrastructure.