The Burden of Fighting Disease in India: A Look at the Current Situation
India, like most developing countries, has always struggled with the issue of disease burden. With a population of over 1.3 billion people, providing adequate healthcare services for everyone is a monumental task. The current situation of the country’s healthcare system paints a grim picture of what the masses have to endure.
The Healthcare System in India
The government of India has taken several initiatives in the past few years to improve the healthcare system. However, there is still a massive gap in the availability and accessibility of quality healthcare facilities in the country. According to the World Health Organization, India ranks 145th out of 190 countries in terms of healthcare infrastructure.
The government’s poor services have left the burden of fighting diseases and improving public health on the private sector, which is not affordable for all. Those who cannot afford private care end up seeking assistance from local general practitioners, who lack the knowledge and resources to provide adequate care.
The High Burden of Communicable Diseases
India has been fighting several communicable diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, and dengue for decades. However, the outbreak of COVID-19 has worsened the situation. The healthcare infrastructure is failing to accommodate the rising number of cases, which is putting enormous pressure on both public and private care services.
Furthermore, low levels of health awareness and hygiene practices among the population have led to the high burden of diseases. The government needs to focus on educating the masses about good health practices and its importance in the long term.
Steps Towards Improvement
India’s healthcare system requires significant amounts of investment towards infrastructure, education, and research and development. Public-private partnerships offer a viable solution to cater to the demand for better healthcare. The government can collaborate and work together with the private sector to bridge the gap in healthcare services.
Moreover, increasing health insurance coverage and affordability can help change healthcare-seeking behavior in the country, where people would not have to compromise on their health due to financial constraints.
Conclusion
India’s healthcare system has taken several steps forward, but the burden of disease remains high, with a substantial gap in the availability and accessibility of quality healthcare facilities. The government must continue to prioritize efforts towards the improvement of the country’s healthcare infrastructure, education and research, and development. All efforts made towards creating a better healthcare system in India are undoubtedly worth it in the long run.
(Note: Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)