As the newly-elected government starts its initial 100 days in power, the Association of Healthcare Providers of India (AHPI) has presented a detailed agenda to revolutionize the healthcare sector and build a 'Healthy India.' Representing the majority of hospitals across the country, AHPI stresses that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, now in its third consecutive term, should prioritize transformative initiatives to enhance the well-being of society.

AHPI underscores the importance of promotive and preventive health measures, sanitation under the Swachh Bharat initiative, access to clean drinking water, and improved nutrition with a focus on millets. These fundamental public health aspects are crucial for preventing diseases and promoting overall well-being.

The association calls for the rapid development of sub-centers and urban health centers, which should provide educational materials on preventive health in local languages and offer screenings for both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Trained AYUSH doctors should be utilized for promotive health roles, while curative roles should remain under the allopathic stream.

Dr. Girdhar Gyani, Director General of AHPI, emphasized the need for strategic policy implementation and increased funding. "The new government has a unique opportunity to transform India's healthcare landscape. By focusing on key areas, we can create a robust, efficient, and inclusive healthcare system that ensures the well-being of every Indian," he stated. Emerging health threats like mental health, geriatrics, stroke, cancer, adult immunization, and the impact of climate on human health should be prioritized. Government spending on healthcare must increase to achieve universal health coverage and effectively address these pressing issues.

AHPI also advocates for the high-intensity promotion of the Fit India Movement to emphasize physical exercise and yoga. Targeting schools, gram panchayats, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), and enterprises can strengthen occupational health schemes and foster a fitness culture, enhancing overall population health.

To prevent overcrowding at premier institutes like AIIMS, AHPI proposes a strict referral system. This system would ensure that patients are referred appropriately from sub-centers to primary health centers (PHCs), community health centers (CHCs), district hospitals, medical colleges, and finally AIIMS only for tertiary-level ailments, streamlining patient flow and improving healthcare delivery efficiency.

AHPI suggests that public health institutes be made accountable and professional. Drawing inspiration from countries where public health facilities are preferred over private ones, the association recommends placing these institutes under autonomous state boards. These boards would receive partial government funding and generate additional funds independently, ensuring better management and accountability.

The association also recognizes the potential of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana but calls for its restructuring. The scheme has not reached all beneficiaries identified under SECC-2011, and it is crucial to include senior citizens not covered under other schemes. Addressing issues such as non-viable rates and delayed reimbursements that cause many private hospitals to opt out of the scheme is vital for its success.

India currently has less than two hospital beds per 1,000 population, compared to the WHO norm of 3.5 beds. AHPI suggests incentivizing the private sector to establish tertiary care hospitals in tier-III towns and addressing the shortage of specialists by opening exclusive postgraduate colleges. Promoting the indigenization of high-tech medical equipment and advancing the National Digital Health Mission, including the ABHA card and portability of medical records, can significantly improve the healthcare sector.

As the Union Budget approaches, AHPI expects significant allocations for the healthcare sector to support these initiatives. The first 100 days of the new government will be pivotal in setting the direction for a healthier India.