Indian Vision on Healthcare

Published in Medgate Today. View it Here
http://www.medgatetoday.com/past-issues-nov-dec%202013.html

The World Economic Forum report on healthcare industry is all about its vision on the healthcare industry. The healthcare industry has tremendously grown since the last two decades especially in OECD countries it has grown beyond the GDP. This report encourages to look beyond the traditional healthcare trends and to adapt the changes which science and technology brings in. The truth is that healthcare industry is affected by the austerity measures established by various countries due to the economic crisis.

The success in the healthcare industry has given new challenges like

• Chronic illnesses
• Costly healthcare
• Prolonged treatment

Over the last 50 years the average annual rate of healthcare has grown to 2% and by 2050 the annual average cost is expected to grow by 50-100%. Healthcare system not only includes treatment and care but it includes policies, products and services which are designed for the prevention of the disease and for the wellbeing. What we need are the plans for a long term period even though a short term plans gives and immediate results but only for the time being. The gap between the supply and demand, population health and individual healthcare should be filled
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What are the key factors that raise the healthcare costs?


• Ageing population
• Explosion of lifestyle diseases
• Rise in public expectations
• Lack of value consciousness among healthcare consumers
• Poor allocation of resources
• New therapies and technologies
• New strategies for better results

Health care System and Health System what are they?


Both terms are used interchangeably but they are two different terms. Institutions, facilities and people involved in delivering healthcare services come within healthcare systems. Whereas health system comprises of broad range of institutions and people who works beyond the traditional health sector who directly or indirectly influence the health of the society. Eg: Food and Beverages companies


Vision 2040

World Economic Forum conducted workshops in 5 countries in order to explore the possibilities of Sustainable Health Systems. The main question in this workshop conducted in China, Germany Spain, Netherlands and England was about the ideal health system in 2040?

The main concerns were

• Aspirations for the future
• Setting aside the current restraints
• Departure from traditional healthcare
• Relationship between individual and healthcare provider
• Greater patient responsibilities

All these can only be achieved through the support of media, technology, tele communications, educational and financial sectors.

Vision China

Chinese vision is healthy and harmonious society by 2040. Securing health system for nominal cost across the great cities and villages will be the target and this will be achieved through strong families, stronger communities and dedicated workers. They will target to eradicate chronic illness combining traditional and advanced medical knowledge.

Vision Germany

Germans envisage an efficient and good quality healthcare system that means a world class system. It should boost the economy as the German automotive industry. There will be full transparency in the quality and the cost of the care which they provide. Patients will play a greater role in improvement of the healthcare system

Vision Spain


The Spanish will target the eradication of lifestyle diseases. More concentration will be on the quality and safety standard across the system. They will be carrying out health literacy programs even including the children.

Vision Netherlands

The Dutch will bring up a greater healthcare system with the support of public. Through the public participation people will identify that healthcare is a responsibility and not a “right” and that will result in an effective healthcare system. Better healthcare initiatives will be rewarded. They will plan the healthcare system even to bring up export opportunities and thus boost economic activity.



Vision England


England’s values of access and equity will be reflected in national health. The healthcare delivery models will be dynamic and adaptable according to the changes in society and technology. Primary centre will be home and hospitals will be centre of excellence with skilled people. Patience will be at their discretion.

What should be India’s Vision for 2040?

India has improved a lot in healthcare but the infrastructure need to be improved a lot. There is a shortfall of around 600000 doctors in the service, lack of experts in technology, cost of the systems are the few challenges in Indian healthcare industry. Even though the child and mother mortality rate has come down we need to improve a lot here. The public is not fully satisfied with the service provided even in multi specialty hospitals. Government has to seriously see the healthcare industry and there should be strict guidelines for the operations in healthcare systems.