Also Read
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Medically Verified By:
World Health Day 2024: Why Is It Important To Make Healthcare Affordable And Accessible In India?
Every year, World Health Day is observed on 7th of April. This day marks the foundation of the esteemed World Health Organisation (WHO) which deals with health crisis' all across the world. WHO was officially founded on 7th of April, 1948. Its commemoration is done in order to draw focus on the millions of healthcare issues that still plague the world today in 2024. The aim for the world is to be more aware and prevent as many diseases as they can for future generations. On this World Health Day, we are going to discuss the desperate necessity of affordable and accessible healthcare in a country like India.
India delivers both private and public healthcare. The quality of private healthcare is very good but also very expensive. Partha Pratim Das Mahapatra, the Founder and CEO of EzeRx spoke to TheHealthsite.com and said,
"In a nation where healthcare is often a luxury, accessibility shouldn't be a privilege but a fundamental right. According to recent data, approximately 16.4% of India's population lives in poverty. Out of this, about 4.2% are considered to be in extreme poverty, with a deprivation score exceeding 50%." This strata of people cannot afford private healthcare facilities and they do not have insurance for treatment of non-communicable and chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, kidney transplant, etc.
The next healthcare sector is the public sector which is affordable but lacks botch infrastructure, new innovations and digital-led strictures. Most of India is rural and the healthcare is run by rural government hospitals which till today lacks proper buildings, equipment, staff, and instruments.
He went on to say that healthcare should not be based on economic status, class status, religion or any other creed. Quality healthcare should be available for all irrespective of other constraints. With an aim to provide accessible healthcare, EzeRx has innovated EzeCheck, India's first ICMR-RMRCBB validated non-invasive hemoglobinometer. CEOPartha Pratim Das says that this innovation has drastically reduced the cost of HB tests. He also said that they are working on more technology innovations which can drastically reduce the expenditure of healthcare and make it accessible for all.