NEW DELHI, Mar 16:  After much delay, the National Health Policy 2015, on the lines of Obamacare, was approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday, assuring affordable health services to all.

The decision on the policy that had been in cold storage for about two years, was deferred twice in the past two months by the Cabinet.

The policy addresses issues concerning universal healthcare coverage, reducing maternal and infant mortality rate as well as making drugs and diagnostics available free, at least in the public healthcare system of the country.

It also suggests that the Centre must amend laws to align them with the current healthcare scenario.

“The green signal to the policy is a positive step, and we are hopeful that it will help improve the healthcare system significantly,” a senior health ministry official said.

Highlights of National Health Policy 2015

*Increase in public health spending: The draft policy proposes an increase in public health expenditure from the current 1% of GDP to 2.5%.

*National Health Rights Act: Akin to the right to education, the policy aims to assure health services to all.

*Public Private Partnerships: The thrust is on building public-private partnerships to deliver health services.

*Non communicable diseases: With non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and associated deaths rising, there is a special focus on tackling them.

*Health Research: The department of health research finds prominence in the policy as a boost for health research.

Here's how this policy can benefit the common man:

1. The policy increases the number of sectors covered in the Primary Health Centre (PHC) level and envisages a comprehensive approach, according to Health Ministry sources. "For example, till now, PHCs were only for immunisation, anti-natal check-ups and others. But what is a major policy shift is that now it will also include screening non-communicable diseases and a whole lot of other aspects," a senior official said.

2. Under the new policy, the focus on upgradation of district hospitals will increase, and for the first time, there will be an implementation of a framework in place.

3. The proposed National Health Policy aims to provide assured health services to people as an "entitlement".

4. The draft also addresses the issues of universal health coverage as well as making drugs and diagnostics available free of cost in at least the country's public healthcare system.

5. The proposed policy also seeks to reduce the maternal and infant mortality rate and address increasing burden of non-communicable diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disorder. (Agencies )

 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
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