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India Today
4 days ago
- Health
- India Today
Why healthcare needs to be centre stage in Bihar elections
Hospitals with doctors missing. Operation theatres with equipment missing. Maternity wards with essential drugs missing. This is just the tip of Bihar's healthcare iceberg. As Bihar awaits Assembly elections, let's have a look at why healthcare needs to take centre stage in the man, machine, materialA 2024 CAG report on public health infrastructure and management of health services in Bihar noted that half the posts are empty in the state's health department. The state has one doctor available per 2,148 people, against a recommendation of one doctor per thousand Against specialists' requirement of 5,081, only 1,580 posts were filled in 2024 — 69 per cent of the posts remained vacant. Specifically, in terms of anaesthesia specialists, only 156 were in place, against the requirement of 1,129. While there was a requirement for 911 gynaecology doctors, only 375 were in place. This means 86 per cent of the posts were from lacking human resources, the state also has a scarcity of basic amenities. Drinking water, fans, separate toilets for males and females, chairs, etc., are missing in health centres — as is important equipment in emergency wards and operation theatres!In the sub-district hospitals of Barh, 71 per cent of essential equipment is missing in emergency wards; it's 84 per cent in operation theatres. The situation was found to be similar in Mahua, Makhdumpur, Bhagwanpur, Bakhtiyarpur, and 80 per cent of the essential drugs were missing for maternity services in Barh and Bhagwanpur. The seriousness of maternity conditions can be assessed by the fact that out of 24 cases of maternal deaths reported in 16 test-checked healthcare facilities from FY2016–22, a maternal death review was conducted in only one the physical verification of 25 ambulances showed that none of the ambulances had the required equipment. Also, six test-checked blood banks operated without a valid licence for up to 21 does Bihar's healthcare stand against SDG goals?According to India's Sustainable Development Goals for the United Nations, designed to be achieved by 2030, maternal mortality per lakh live births should be 70. While that number was 97 for the country in 2024, it was 118 for Bihar. Similarly, against a neonatal mortality rate goal of 12 or less, the Indian average was 24.9, and Bihar's was for improvement returnedThe odd thing is that, despite everything, Bihar has not stepped up to improve the healthcare conditions. 'The Government of Bihar had not prepared any comprehensive health policy/ plan, aligned with the National Health Policy, 2017, to address the gaps in infrastructure/equipment in every healthcare facility,' the CAG report said. As a result, the Bihar health department kept returning the money allotted for the financial years 2016 and 2022, a total of Rs 69,791 crore was provisioned for the Bihar health department, of which Rs 21,743 crore or 31 per cent was left report noted that the department kept releasing funds, which remained unutilised and were surrendered on the last day of that financial year.- EndsTune InMust Watch
United News of India
5 days ago
- Health
- United News of India
Healthcare at Heart of Viksit Bharat: Anupriya
New Delhi, July 24 (UNI) Underscoring the crucial role of healthcare in building a developed India, Health Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare Anupriya Patel today said, 'Healthy India and Health for All are not just slogans, but the commitment of the government and a shared national vision.' She was addressing the Annual Convocation Ceremony of Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) as the Chief Guest here. The event was also graced by Dr. VK Paul, member, NITI Aayog, and Dr. Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services, along with faculty, dignitaries and graduating students. In her keynote address, Patel stressed that India's aspiration to become a developed nation by 2047, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, depends heavily on a robust and equitable healthcare system. 'Healthcare is one of the foundational pillars of Viksit Bharat. Only a healthy nation can truly be a developed nation,' she said. Tracing the trajectory of India's health reforms, the Minister recalled the introduction of the National Health Policy in 2017, which laid the groundwork for a comprehensive, multi-dimensional health system — curative, preventive, promotive, palliative, and rehabilitative. She highlighted significant achievements including the establishment of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, expansion of AIIMS from 7 to 23, and the adoption of digital health solutions. She further noted that India is advancing toward the WHO-recommended doctor-population ratio, and addressing the shortage of specialists in underserved regions. Government health spending, she said, has risen to nearly 2% of GDP, moving steadily toward the 2.5% target outlined in the national policy. The Minister cited flagship programmes such as Ayushman Bharat – PM-JAY, the world's largest health assurance scheme covering 55 crore citizens, and Jan Aushadhi Kendras, which ensure access to quality medicines at affordable prices. These interventions, she said, have led to a significant reduction in out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare. Speaking on India's COVID-19 response, Patel stated, 'India's vaccination campaign was among the largest and fastest in the world, with over 220 crore doses administered.' She also urged LHMC graduates to continue the nation-building journey through medical research, digital innovation, and compassionate service. 'The medical profession is a rare blend of privilege and responsibility. Let your healing hands also carry the values of ethics, empathy and service to the underprivileged,' she told the students. The convocation also saw the launch of LHMC's Annual Report for 2024 and the Antibiotic Policy. UNI AJ ARN
New Indian Express
30-06-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Universal health coverage to be achieved by 2047: Minister Anupriya Patel
NEW DELHI: Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel on Sunday outlined an ambitious healthcare vision for India at the 'Sawal Sehat Ka' health conclave organised by The New Indian Express (TNIE) group. Prabhu Chawla, Editorial Director of TNIE, welcomed the minister alongside other dignitaries at the event. Addressing an audience of medical professionals and public health experts, Anupriya Patel said the government aims to achieve universal health coverage by 2047, supported by a people-centric, climate-resilient, and technology-driven healthcare system. 'By 2047, we want to see a healthier India,' Patel said. 'We believe in guaranteeing access to affordable and quality healthcare to each and every citizen.' She explained that the foundation for this vision was laid with the introduction of a new National Health Policy, marking a shift from a curative-only model to a more comprehensive approach. The current policy, she noted, integrates preventive, curative, and rehabilitative aspects of healthcare. She acknowledged that achieving universal health coverage in a country as vast and diverse as India is challenging but reaffirmed the government's commitment. 'A strong political will is extremely important for this,' she said, adding that the past 11 years have seen focused efforts on increasing healthcare spending, strengthening infrastructure, encouraging public-private partnerships, and embracing technological innovations. Highlighting grassroots-level progress, Patel said the government has significantly strengthened primary healthcare. 'There are now 1.77 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across the country, providing 12 essential services to citizens,' she said. During the event, the minister also felicitated several distinguished medical professionals for their contributions to the healthcare sector. The conclave concluded with a panel discussion featuring senior doctors.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
India a global leader in health innovation and vaccines: Jitendra
New Delhi: Underscoring India's evolution into a global health leader, Jitendra Singh, minister of state for science & technology and earth sciences and MoS in the PMO, said India was now recognised globally as a leader in healthcare innovation, pharmaceutical manufacturing and vaccine development , exporting vaccines to over 100 countries under Vaccine Maitri . "As we move forward, such partnerships will be key in shaping the future of global health from India," he said at the Times Now Doctors Day Conclave 2025, powered by Lupin. Minister of state for health and family welfare Anupriya Patel laid out the Centre's ambitious vision for India@100 and said, "We are committed to creating a resilient, inclusive and technology-driven healthcare ecosystem by 2047, as we celebrate 100 years of independence. Our vision is to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare for every citizen. The National Health Policy embodies this vision, shifting the focus from disease-specific interventions to a comprehensive and integrated approach rooted in universal health coverage. This is a paradigm shift - one that redefines how we view health and well-being, not just within India but also in alignment with global priorities." Others who spoke at the event included Punjab governor and Chandigarh administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, Tripura governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu and Andhra Pradesh health minister Satya Kumar Yadav. Kataria said since 2014, India's healthcare budget had grown from Rs 33,000 crore to Rs 99,000 crore, reflecting the govt's strong commitment to a Swasth Bharat under the leadership of PM Narenrda Modi.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
India a global leader in health innovation and vaccines: Jitendra
NEW DELHI: Underscoring India's evolution into a global health leader, Jitendra Singh, junior minister for science & technology and earth sciences, said India was now recognised globally as a leader in healthcare innovation, pharmaceutical manufacturing and vaccine development, exporting vaccines to over 100 countries under Vaccine Maitri. "As we move forward, such partnerships will be key in shaping the future of global health from India," he said at the Times Now Doctors Day Conclave 2025, powered by Lupin. Junior minister for health and family welfare Anupriya Patel laid out the Centre's ambitious vision for India@100 and said, "We are committed to creating a resilient, inclusive and technology-driven healthcare ecosystem by 2047, as we celebrate 100 years of independence. Our vision is to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare for every citizen. The National Health Policy embodies this vision, shifting the focus from disease-specific interventions to a comprehensive and integrated approach rooted in universal health coverage. This is a paradigm shift - one that redefines how we view health and well-being, not just within India but also in alignment with global priorities." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Learn About Hotel Management Courses in Switzerland and the UK LocalPlan Search Now Undo Others who spoke at the event included Punjab governor and Chandigarh administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, Tripura governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu and Andhra Pradesh health minister Satya Kumar Yadav. Kataria said since 2014, India's healthcare budget had grown from Rs 33,000 crore to Rs 99,000 crore, reflecting the govt's strong commitment to a Swasth Bharat under the leadership of PM Narenrda Modi. Nallu spoke about transforming access to affordable healthcare by scaling telemedicine services across the nation. TNN
