Amidst accolades for India’s strides in the healthcare domain, Bhubaneswar Kalita, the head of a Legislative Committee on Health and Family Welfare, asserted on Tuesday that the proactive stance of the central administration has already surpassed the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended doctor to patient ratio of 1:1000.
Kalita informed ETV Bharat, “The WHO advocates a doctor to populace ratio of 1:1000. Nevertheless, we’ve already exceeded this criterion with a ratio of 1:900, marking a significant leap beyond the established guidelines.” He highlighted the extended reach of healthcare benefits, even extending to remote rural regions of the nation.
“In recent years, we’ve observed a substantial surge in both the number of medical institutions and healthcare practitioners. Moving forward, we envision establishing a medical college in every district, thereby mitigating the dearth of doctors in rural locales,” articulated Kalita.
However, while India endeavors towards universal health coverage, Kalita stressed, “It’s imperative to empower communities with knowledge and resources to safeguard their well-being.” He underscored the importance of raising awareness, noting, “Despite the array of health schemes, many eligible beneficiaries remain deprived due to inadequate awareness and understanding.”
Kalita, seizing the opportunity to critique the health ministry, remarked that India has made remarkable progress, transitioning from combating infectious diseases to embracing preventive healthcare measures. “Over the past decade, we’ve witnessed a decline in maternal mortality rates, infant mortality rates, and mortality rates among children under 5,” Kalita asserted.
In conversation with this correspondent, Dr. Tamorish Kole, former president of the Asian Society for Emergency Medicine, acknowledged India’s healthcare advancements while acknowledging persistent challenges in accessibility, resource allocation, and service provision. “Initiatives involving public-private partnerships, workforce development, and patient safety are pivotal for advancement,” he affirmed.
Dr. Kole lauded India’s achievement of a 1:900 doctor-to-population ratio, labeling it commendable progress in healthcare accessibility. However, he noted regional disparities, with urban areas enjoying superior access compared to rural counterparts. Bridging this gap is imperative for equitable healthcare delivery, emphasized Dr. Kole. Fulfilling the WHO’s recommended ratio necessitates not only augmenting the physician count but also enhancing infrastructure, training, and technological support. A comprehensive focus on healthcare systems is essential.
Regarding India’s rural healthcare infrastructure, Dr. Kole advocated strategies such as fortifying primary healthcare through Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) and telemedicine. “Infrastructure development, including the establishment of small-scale community hospitals and rudimentary diagnostic facilities, is imperative. Elevating health literacy through awareness campaigns and community empowerment is imperative,” emphasized Dr. Kole.