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New Delhi, December 24, 2024 – India has witnessed significant advancements in its healthcare sector in 2024, with the Union government introducing transformative policies and programs to enhance access, affordability, and quality of healthcare. From expanded health coverage for the elderly to a focus on vaccination and digital health infrastructure, the year’s achievements have set a strong foundation for a healthier nation.
Expanding Health Coverage
In a landmark move, the flagship health insurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), extended health coverage to all senior citizens above 70 years, irrespective of income. This expansion ensures greater access to critical healthcare for a vulnerable demographic.
Budgetary Boost and Affordability
The Union Budget 2024-25 allocated ₹89,287 crore to the health sector, marking 1.85% of the total expenditure, up from 1.76% in the previous fiscal year. The government also took bold steps to reduce the cost of cancer treatments, exempting customs duty on drugs like Trastuzumab deruxtecan (for breast cancer), Osimertinib (for lung cancer), and Durvalumab (for biliary tract cancers). GST on these drugs was slashed from 12% to 5%, significantly lowering their Maximum Retail Price (MRP).
Strengthening Medical Education and Infrastructure
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a target of adding 75,000 medical seats by 2029 to reduce India’s reliance on foreign medical education. In 2024 alone, 5,150 additional MBBS seats were introduced. Over two lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs now provide early diagnosis and treatment nationwide, complemented by 14,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras offering medicines at an 80% discount.
Promoting Preventive Care and Vaccination
India achieved remarkable progress in its immunization efforts. Mission Indradhanush vaccinated 5.46 crore children and 1.32 crore pregnant women, with 11 types of vaccines ensuring protection against preventable diseases. The U-WIN portal was launched to digitize routine immunizations, while cervical cancer vaccination programs were prioritized for young girls, highlighting the government’s focus on disease prevention.
Digital Health Revolution
The Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) initiative revolutionized India’s digital health infrastructure, with over 71.81 crore ABHA numbers generated and 46.53 crore health records linked. This platform streamlines access to health records, making healthcare more efficient and transparent.
Improved Health Indicators and Disease Elimination
India’s efforts to improve maternal and child health have paid off, with reductions in the Maternal Mortality Ratio, Infant Mortality Rate, and Total Fertility Rate. The country also celebrated its certification from the WHO for eliminating trachoma, a bacterial eye infection that can cause blindness, becoming the fourth Southeast Asian nation to achieve this milestone.
Advancements in Tuberculosis and Ayurveda
The National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) introduced a shorter, six-month treatment regimen, replacing the traditional 9-12 month course. Meanwhile, the Ayush sector has seen an eightfold growth in the past decade, boosting medical tourism and establishing India as a hub for traditional medicine.
Nutrition and Public Health Initiatives
The Rashtriya Poshan Mission focused on improving the nutritional status of children, pregnant women, and adolescent girls, aligning with the government’s vision of “Swasth Bharat” (Healthy India) for a “Viksit Bharat 2047.”
India’s healthcare advancements in 2024 underscore a commitment to ensuring equitable and quality healthcare for all. With ambitious plans and dedicated initiatives, the nation is poised to achieve even greater milestones in the years ahead.
