As the Modi government begins its third consecutive term, healthcare experts and industry leaders are emphasizing the need for significant reforms. Their primary focus is on prioritizing preventive healthcare, strengthening infrastructure, and increasing healthcare spending. The National Health Policy (NHP) 2017, which aims to raise public health spending to 2.5 percent of GDP, remains unfulfilled as many Indians rely heavily on private healthcare services.

With Modi 3.0, there are high expectations for affordable healthcare services to become a reality for Indian citizens. Experts are concerned about whether the new government will increase public expenditure on healthcare to the desired level.

Dr. Girdhar Gyani, Director General of the Association of Healthcare Providers, India (AHPI), highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to creating a "Healthy India." He emphasizes promoting preventive health measures such as sanitation, clean drinking water, and nutrition. Additionally, he calls for the rapid implementation of Health & Wellness Centres for preventive health education and screening.

Dr. Gyani also stresses the importance of intensifying the 'Fit India Movement,' strengthening occupational health schemes, and restructuring the Ayushman Bharat Yojana to reach all SECC-2011 beneficiaries. He believes that incentivizing the private sector to establish tertiary care facilities in smaller towns, promoting the indigenization of medical equipment, and accelerating the National Digital Health Mission are crucial steps for addressing healthcare infrastructure gaps and achieving universal health coverage through increased government spending.

Mr. Probal Ghosal, Chairman and Director of Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, sees the new term as a prime opportunity to transform healthcare infrastructure and improve the lives of millions. He suggests that increased healthcare spending and initiatives like AB-PMJAY can benefit both public and private sectors, but adjustments in pricing structures are necessary.

Ghosal also points out the need to address the shortage of healthcare staff and provide regulatory relief, particularly in GST input credit, to reduce industry burdens. He believes that focusing on India's potential as a medical tourism destination can boost revenue for private hospitals and establish the nation as a global healthcare leader. Continuous reforms, a stronger role for the private sector, and expanded health insurance coverage in rural areas are vital for holistic progress.

Abhishek Kapoor, CEO of Regency Health, urges the new government to prioritize universal healthcare with a comprehensive roadmap. He emphasizes the need for long-term infrastructure financing, expanding medical education, and implementing fiscal reforms in health insurance. Kapoor believes that increasing the healthcare budget to 2.5% of GDP is crucial for progress.

He also advocates for streamlining the GST framework, enhancing healthcare professional skills, and strengthening infrastructure in Tier 2 and 3 cities. Kapoor suggests that providing infrastructure status for private sector investment, facilitating low-cost funding, and incentivizing specialists to serve in these areas are essential steps. He calls for budget allocations for primary care, tax exemptions, and expanding Primary Health Centers (PHCs) through public-private partnerships (PPPs). Integrating government schemes under a unified digital platform would enhance efficiency and accelerate payments for private healthcare providers.

Overall, healthcare leaders are urging the Modi government to take bold steps in its third term to ensure better healthcare for all Indians, focusing on preventive measures, infrastructure development, and increased spending.