Universalising Healthcare in India: From Care to Coverage

This book provides a comprehensive overview of universal health coverage in India, analyzing the historical context, present policies, and social determinants of health. It is divided into five sections and is contributed by scholars and practitioners.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 401 pages
Publication date: 22 October 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This comprehensive book offers a thorough exploration of universal health coverage (UHC) in India, providing a rich historical and political backdrop to the ongoing debates surrounding this critical issue. It delves into the country's current public health crisis, examining the policies governing the pharmaceutical industry, identifying gaps in universal healthcare access, and underscoring the significance of social determinants of health. The book is organized into five sections, each covering key topics such as the distinction between comprehensive primary health care and universal health care, the relationship between public health and medical care, the health service delivery system, and the overall health system in India.

Contributions from scholars and practitioners drawn from diverse fields of study contribute to the chapters, offering insights based on historical, interdisciplinary, empirical, and policy research. This book is a valuable resource for academics, public health administrators, policymakers, practitioners, and students interested in health care and organization, seeking to bridge the gap between theory and practice in transforming healthcare policies and delivery.

The historical context and politics surrounding universal health coverage in India are explored in the first section, shedding light on the debates and challenges that have shaped the country's healthcare landscape. The second section examines the present crisis of public health in India, highlighting the prevalence of diseases, the inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and the social and economic factors that contribute to health disparities.

The third section explores the policies governing the pharmaceutical industry in India, discussing the regulatory framework, pricing mechanisms, and the availability of affordable medicines. It also examines the challenges faced by the industry, such as counterfeit drugs, drug resistance, and the need for innovation.

The fourth section examines the missing links in universalizing health care in India, identifying the barriers to access, such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure, lack of healthcare workers, and financial constraints. It also explores the role of technology, telemedicine, and mobile health services in bridging the gap and improving healthcare delivery.

The fifth section focuses on the importance of social determinants of health, such as poverty, education, gender, and social exclusion. It examines how these factors intersect with healthcare access, outcomes, and health equity. The book also highlights the strategies and interventions that can be implemented to address social determinants of health, such as social protection programs, community-based healthcare, and health education initiatives.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of universal health coverage in India, offering valuable insights into the country's healthcare challenges and opportunities. It is a must-read for academics, public health administrators, policymakers, practitioners, and students interested in improving healthcare policies and delivery in India and beyond.

Weight: 706g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811658747
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021