Universalising Healthcare in India: From Care to Coverage

The book provides a comprehensive overview of universal health coverage in India, analyzing the historical context, politics, and present crisis of public health. It examines policies on the pharmaceutical industry, missing links in universalizing health, and the importance of social determinants of health. It is divided into five sections and includes contributions from scholars and practitioners.

Format: Hardback
Length: 401 pages
Publication date: 21 October 2021
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

Universal Health Coverage in India: A Comprehensive Overview
India has been grappling with the issue of universal health coverage (UHC) for several decades, and the book provides a comprehensive overview of the topic. It begins by setting the historical context and politics of the debates around UHC in India and proceeds to analyze the present crisis of public health in the country. The book examines the present policies on the pharmaceutical industry, missing links in universalizing health, and the importance of social determinants of health. It is divided into five sections, and some of the topics covered include the difference between comprehensive primary health care and universal health care, public health and medical care, health service, and health system. The chapters are contributed by scholars and practitioners based on historical, interdisciplinary, empirical, and policy research. The book is insightful to academics, public health administrators, policymakers, practitioners, and students interested in health care and organization, looking to transform theory into policy and practice.
The Historical Context and Politics of UHC in India
India has a long history of healthcare, with a rich tradition of Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha medicine. However, the country's healthcare system has faced numerous challenges, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and a lack of access to healthcare services. In the 1980s, the government launched the National Health Mission (NHM) to improve healthcare access and quality. The NHM has been successful in reducing child mortality and improving maternal health, but it has faced several challenges, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and a lack of access to healthcare services.
The Politics of UHC in India
The politics of UHC in India are complex and multifaceted. The government has been criticized for its lack of commitment to UHC, and there have been several protests and demonstrations against the government's policies. The private sector has also been criticized for its role in healthcare, with some arguing that it is responsible for the high cost of healthcare in India.
The Present Crisis of Public Health in India
India's public health crisis is one of the worst in the world. The country has a high burden of disease, with a large number of people living in poverty and without access to healthcare services. The country has a high rate of infant mortality, maternal mortality, and infectious diseases, and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases is increasing. The government has been implementing several policies to address the public health crisis, but these policies have been ineffective.
The Pharmaceutical Industry and UHC in India
The pharmaceutical industry is a major contributor to the healthcare system in India. The industry has been criticized for its high prices, and the government has been trying to regulate the industry to make it more affordable. However, the industry has been resistant to regulation, and the prices of medicines have continued to rise.
Missing Links in Universalizing Health in India
There are several missing links in universalizing health in India. One of the most significant missing links is the lack of access to healthcare services. Many people in India live in rural areas, and they do not have access to healthcare services. The government has been trying to address this issue by implementing the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), but the mission has been unsuccessful.
The Importance of Social Determinants of Health in India
Social determinants of health are the factors that influence a person's health. These factors include income, education, employment, and social support. Social determinants of health are important in India because they are responsible for the high burden of disease in the country. The government has been trying to address social determinants of health by implementing the National Social Assistance Program (NSAP), but the program has been unsuccessful.
The Difference between Comprehensive Primary Health Care and Universal Health Care
Comprehensive primary health care (CPHC) is a healthcare system that provides comprehensive care to all individuals, regardless of their income or social status. CPHC includes primary care, secondary care, and tertiary care. Primary care includes preventive care, diagnosis, and treatment of common diseases. Secondary care includes specialized care, and tertiary care includes specialized care for complex diseases.
Public Health and Medical Care in India
Public health and medical care in India are provided by the government and the private sector. The government provides healthcare services through the NHM, and the private sector provides healthcare services through private hospitals and clinics. The government has been trying to improve the quality of healthcare services in the country by implementing the National Health Policy (NHP).
Health Service in India
Health service in India is provided by a network of public and private hospitals and clinics. The government provides healthcare services through the NHM, and the private sector provides healthcare services through private hospitals and clinics. The government has been trying to improve the quality of healthcare services in the country by implementing the National Health Policy (NHP).
Health System in India
The health system in India is complex and multifaceted. The government provides healthcare services through the NHM, and the private sector provides healthcare services through private hospitals and clinics. The government has been trying to improve the quality of healthcare services in the country by implementing the National Health Policy (NHP).
Conclusion
Universal health coverage (UHC) is a critical issue in India, and the book provides a comprehensive overview of the topic. The book examines the present policies on the pharmaceutical industry, missing links in universalizing health, and the importance of social determinants of health. The book is insightful to academics, public health administrators, policymakers, practitioners, and students interested in health care and organization, looking to transform theory into policy and practice.

Weight: 857g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811658716
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021