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In a bold vision for India’s healthcare future, NITI Aayog member Dr. V K Paul laid out an ambitious roadmap for transforming the country’s primary healthcare system, emphasizing the government’s commitment to creating a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047. Speaking at the ‘FICCI HEAL 2024’ conference, Dr. Paul highlighted healthcare as a key driver in India’s journey toward becoming a global economic powerhouse, with a projected GDP of USD 32 trillion and increased per capita income.
Dr. Paul’s vision centers on harnessing innovations in technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), to revolutionize the healthcare sector. He stressed that AI will be at the forefront, with India positioning itself as both a leader and innovator in AI-powered healthcare solutions. “The potential of AI in healthcare is immense. We want India to be not just a consumer of AI, but a creator of AI technologies that will benefit healthcare systems worldwide,” Dr. Paul remarked. He also called for greater collaboration between industry players to accelerate the adoption of these cutting-edge technologies.
A major part of this transformation is increasing life expectancy, which Dr. Paul aims to raise to 85 years by 2047. This would be a significant leap from the current figures, highlighting the government’s long-term focus on improving health outcomes for all citizens. As part of this initiative, the government is making substantial investments in medical infrastructure, including increasing the number of physicians and hospital beds. This will be vital in supporting the healthcare needs of India’s growing population, which is projected to reach over 1.6 billion by mid-century.
In addition to these measures, the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat health scheme will play a crucial role in ensuring that healthcare reaches every corner of the nation. Dr. Paul announced that the scheme would be extended to cover citizens above the age of 70, guaranteeing that the elderly receive dignified and accessible care. This expansion is part of a broader initiative to improve healthcare access for India’s most vulnerable populations.
As India’s healthcare system evolves, the government’s focus is not only on quality and accessibility but also on the economic growth that a robust healthcare infrastructure can foster. By prioritizing primary healthcare reforms and innovations, Dr. Paul’s vision for 2047 offers a future where healthcare is both a critical enabler of economic prosperity and a symbol of India’s readiness to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
