Examine the features of National Health Policy, 2017.

1. Introduction

The National Health Policy (NHP) 2017 is a landmark document that outlines the vision, goals, and strategies for improving the health and well-being of the people of India. Adopted after a gap of 15 years, the NHP 2017 reflects the evolving healthcare needs and challenges facing the country. This essay examines the key features of the National Health Policy 2017, highlighting its objectives, principles, and priorities.

2. Universal Health Coverage

A central feature of the National Health Policy 2017 is the commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all citizens. UHC aims to ensure that all individuals and communities have access to essential health services without facing financial hardship. The policy emphasizes the need to provide a comprehensive package of services, including preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care, to address the diverse health needs of the population. Achieving UHC requires strengthening health systems, expanding coverage, and reducing out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare services.

3. Holistic Approach to Health

The NHP 2017 adopts a holistic approach to health, recognizing the interconnectedness of various social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health outcomes. The policy acknowledges the role of social determinants such as education, nutrition, sanitation, and gender equality in shaping health status. It calls for multi-sectoral collaboration and coordinated action across government departments, civil society organizations, and the private sector to address underlying determinants of health and promote health equity.

4. Strengthening Health Systems

Another key feature of the NHP 2017 is the focus on strengthening health systems to deliver high-quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare services. The policy emphasizes the importance of investing in infrastructure, human resources, technology, and information systems to enhance service delivery and improve health outcomes. It calls for the establishment of primary care facilities as the first point of contact for healthcare services, with a focus on preventive and promotive care. Additionally, the policy advocates for the integration of traditional and modern systems of medicine to provide comprehensive and patient-centered care.

5. Health Financing and Governance

The National Health Policy 2017 addresses the critical issues of health financing and governance to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. It calls for increasing public spending on health to at least 2.5% of GDP by 2025, with a focus on prioritizing primary healthcare and essential services. The policy advocates for the development of innovative financing mechanisms, such as health insurance schemes and public-private partnerships, to mobilize resources and expand coverage. Furthermore, the policy emphasizes the need for robust governance structures, including regulatory frameworks, accountability mechanisms, and quality assurance systems, to ensure transparency, efficiency, and accountability in healthcare delivery.

6. Focus on Preventive and Promotive Healthcare

Preventive and promotive healthcare is given significant importance in the National Health Policy 2017 as a cost-effective approach to improving health outcomes and reducing the burden of disease. The policy emphasizes the promotion of healthy lifestyles, nutrition, sanitation, and immunization to prevent communicable and non-communicable diseases. It calls for strengthening public health programs, such as the National Health Mission and Ayushman Bharat, to expand coverage and reach underserved populations with essential preventive interventions. Additionally, the policy advocates for community participation and empowerment to drive behavioral change and promote health-seeking behaviors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the National Health Policy 2017 embodies a comprehensive and integrated approach to addressing the health needs of the population and achieving Universal Health Coverage. By focusing on holistic health, strengthening health systems, enhancing governance and financing mechanisms, and prioritizing preventive and promotive healthcare, the policy lays the foundation for a more equitable, efficient, and sustainable healthcare system in India. Implementation of the policy's strategies and priorities will be crucial for realizing its vision of ensuring health and well-being for all citizens.