Navigating the Challenges of Universal Health Coverage in India

FAQs on Universal Health Coverage

1. What is Universal Health Coverage (UHC)?
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) ensures that all individuals and communities receive the health services they need without suffering financial hardship.

2. Why is health expenditure in India uneven across states?
Health expenditure varies significantly across states. For example:

• Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu spend ₹3,829, ₹2,590, and ₹2,039 per capita, respectively.
• In contrast, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar spend only ₹951 and ₹701, respectively (2019-20 data).

3. What is the impact of low healthcare expenditure in states like West Bengal?
West Bengal spends ₹1,346 per capita on healthcare, which is only 61% of the required ₹2,205. Despite an increase in spending, this has not significantly reduced out-of-pocket expenditure or addressed health challenges such as teenage pregnancies and high sugar rates.

4. What are some challenges with out-of-pocket health expenditure?
Out-of-pocket expenditure accounts for over 50% of health spending in states like Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Punjab. This can push families into financial distress and indicates gaps in the public healthcare system.

5. What unique health challenges do states face?

• West Bengal: High teenage pregnancy rates and elevated sugar levels.
• Bihar and Gujarat: High blood sugar but low hypertension rates.
• Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana: Lower blood sugar but high hypertension rates.

6. Why is increasing healthcare expenditure not sufficient?
Higher government expenditure alone does not solve systemic health challenges. For example, Andhra Pradesh saw a 3% increase in per capita health spending, yet out-of-pocket expenditure remained high at 64%.

7. What role does the primary healthcare system play in UHC?
States like West Bengal face a 58% shortfall in primary health and wellness centers. This shortage makes it harder to meet the population's healthcare needs, emphasizing the importance of strengthening primary care.

8. What approach is needed to achieve UHC in India?
A holistic approach integrating public health initiatives, planning, policy guidance, and tailored solutions for local challenges is essential. This will ensure resources are used effectively to reduce financial burdens and improve health outcomes.

SYNOPSIS

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in India remains elusive due to uneven healthcare expenditure, regional disparities, and systemic gaps. While increasing government expenditure is important, addressing out-of-pocket costs, improving primary care infrastructure, and implementing tailored strategies for diverse state-specific health challenges are crucial for achieving equitable healthcare access.