The need for a resilient healthcare system has never been more critical in a world increasingly defined by disease outbreaks and natural calamities. Strategic initiatives, innovative approaches, and collaborative efforts between the government and stakeholders in the healthcare sector are essential to prepare India’s healthcare system for unforeseen crises. Empowering Indian healthcare to withstand future challenges requires improved infrastructure, the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, and a focus on capacity building.
India’s healthcare system has come a long way, undergoing significant transformation in infrastructure, digital integration, and accessibility. However, with communicable and non-communicable diseases on the rise, the future readiness of this system remains a burgeoning concern.
Achieving the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' will require prioritising innovation and adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to address the growing burden of diseases and ensure equitable healthcare access.
Deep dive into India's healthcare Infrastructure
A Promising and Positive Outlook
The pandemic has been a trigger in the arm of Indian healthcare to revisit and revamp the system. Proactive action in the form of scaling up infrastructure was evident post-pandemic.
As per a report by Pharmarack, the number of hospitals itself has increased from 43,000 in 2019 to a staggering 54,000 in 2024, while private sector hospitals displayed a growth of 27 per cent going from 30,000 in 2019 to 38,000 in 2024.
The number of hospital beds is also expected to increase to 1.7 million by 2030. The report further goes on to state that the number of medical colleges and nursing colleges also saw an increase in the number of seats in the same period of study.
Dr Sujay Prasad, Chief Medical Director, Neuberg Diagnostics, states that India being a tropical nation is predisposed to unique health risks like vector-borne diseases and climate-related outbreaks, which in particular will require specialised healthcare interventions.
“Recent experiences managing COVID-19, NIPAH virus, and the Monkeypox virus have underscored both the strengths and vulnerabilities in our healthcare infrastructure. These events have raised important questions about our preparedness for emerging threats, highlighting areas that require urgent attention,” opines Dr Prasad.
VK Vinod Nair, Founder and CEO, PracticeSuite reminisces India’s commendable approach during the pandemic. He said, “Despite immense challenges, the nation demonstrated remarkable resilience. From delivering free food to 800 million citizens to administering 2.2 billion vaccine doses and providing vaccines to other countries, India proved its capability to manage an unprecedented global crisis. Compared to some of the world’s most advanced healthcare systems, including that of the US which spent almost $3T and faced immense strain, India’s response was commendable.”
Vikram Thaploo, CEO-Telehealth, Apollo Hospitals Enterprises is also appreciative of the nation's efforts in achieving significant milestones. Thaploo mentioned, “Infrastructure is expanding, with initiatives like public-private partnerships aiming to bridge gaps in rural and underserved areas. Telemedicine and tele-ICUs powered by 5G and AI are helping bring healthcare to remote regions.”
Government - A key enabler
The government has done substantial groundwork to overhaul the public health infrastructure in the last few years.
The PM ABHIM( Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission), a scheme launched in 2021 has an impressive mandate that promises an outlay of Rs 64,180 crore for the period up to 2025-26. The funds will be channelised towards plugging critical gaps in the healthcare infrastructure, bolstering the surveillance system by setting up regional National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and improving accessibility by erecting emergency operation centres, mobile hospitals and health units at key locations like airports and seaports.
Significant efforts have also been made towards the establishment of health and wellness centres (HWCs), critical care hospital blocks, block public health units (BPHUs) and integrated public health labs (IPHLs).To ensure readiness and preparedness in the wake of a pandemic, national institutes for virology and biosafety labs have also been created.
The flip side
A fragmented healthcare infrastructure
While extrapolated estimates say that Indian healthcare infrastructure is expected to display stable and strong growth, industry reports say otherwise. As per a FICCI report, India will need at least 3 million more hospital beds in addition to 5 million doctors by 2047.
Moreover, a chunk of the healthcare infrastructure is primarily concentrated in urban areas( 70 per cent) with a meagre 25 per cent in rural India.
Dr Baskaran Mayakesavan, Group CEO, Prashanth Hospitals, Chennai, stays sceptical about India's current status with respect to a future-ready healthcare system. He states that several gaps are there that need to be addressed.
“While urban areas often have access to advanced medical facilities and diagnostics, rural regions still struggle with basic healthcare services. Efforts to enhance infrastructure, ensure the availability of essential medications, and invest in modern medical equipment are crucial for tackling future challenges,” opined Dr Mayakesavan.
Deepak Sharma, Co-Founder and CEO, MedLearn also expressed concern over the evident gaps in the system, especially combating NCDs and other emerging infectious threats.
“A major shortfall lies in diagnostic infrastructure, particularly in tier-2 and tier-III cities, where access to advanced imaging and testing facilities is limited,” opined Sharma.
Scarcity of skilled workforce
Sharma brought to focus India's healthcare workforce which needs an immediate overhaul. While stating that HCPs are distributed more towards urban areas, he underscores the need for upskilling and reskilling programmes as a vital force to increase preparedness amongst the workforce.
“Investments in equipping healthcare workers with cutting-edge tools and knowledge, particularly in rural areas, can ensure India is ready to face future challenges effectively,” opined Dr Sharma.
Framework towards a future-ready healthcare system
Capacity building
While the infrastructure comes across as stable and strong, lack of skilled manpower is a pressing concern. Skilled talent and medical professionals with expertise are a rarity in rural and semi-urban areas.
Sharma suggested, “Continuous education programs to train healthcare workers in identifying early warning signs of diseases, advanced diagnostics, and patient-centered care.”
Vineet Aggarwal, Chief Information Officer, Paras Health strongly felt that upskilling the workforce in using advanced medical technologies plays a very crucial factor in upscaling Indian healthcare.
He added that “Digital literacy programs for healthcare professionals, combined with infrastructure investments will be instrumental in adapting to modern challenges.”
Thaploo mentioned about the dismal state of healthcare workers in our country. He stated, "The country has a very low ratio of healthcare workers to population and inadequate hospital capacity that can become rapidly overwhelmed during emergencies.”
Dr Bhaskaran further added, "Investing in training healthcare workers, improving data collection and analysis, and ensuring rapid response capabilities could help mitigate the impact of future outbreaks."
In order to ensure the expansion of skilled workforce, incentives to rural HCPs and higher pay in comparison to their urban counterparts could help alleviate the current urban-rural divide. Furthermore, the establishment of medical colleges in every district would also add medical professionals to the medical fraternity.
Sharma stated, "Providing financial and professional incentives to healthcare workers to serve in rural areas.”
Thaploo added, "Incentivising private investment in hospitals and clinics, especially in non-urban areas, is essential for equitable growth.”
Thaploo strongly recommended the upskilling of HCPs while also providing them with incentives to work in underserved regions. He feels that technology can never get an upper hand over the human touch of a healthcare worker despite all the benefits associated with technology.
Technology is the game changer
Technology in the form of digital health innovations and connected technologies are a few of the essential prerequisites to building a robust and future-ready healthcare system.A robust digital health infrastructure is a must-have to develop a resilient healthcare system. Harnessing digital technologies in the form of artificial intelligence, robotics IoT and other connected systems ensure continuous patient monitoring wheresoever, transcending geographical barriers, remote locations, and even satellite clinics.
New-age digital infrastructure includes wireless systems, 4G/5G enhancing healthcare capabilities, while also ensuring improved patient outcomes.
Shashank Avadhani, Co-founder and CEO, Alyve Health stated, “Investing in technology will be a key pillar of our future-proofed healthcare system. Digital health solutions, artificial intelligence and behavioural science-backed innovations will streamline patient care, enhance diagnostics, and ensure that even the most basic healthcare reaches remote populations.
Strategic initiatives to improve healthcare capabilities, combined with technology-driven approaches, will empower us to deliver personalized, cashless healthcare management to everyone while expanding our reach significantly.”
Dr Bhaskaran suggested that the implementation of electronic health records and the adopting telehealth services can enhance healthcare delivery and accessibility.
Sharma added, “Digital health records and blockchain can enhance data security and streamline patient management.”
Aggarwal underscores the importance of AI and telemedicine in safeguarding and future-proofing the healthcare system in the wake of an outbreak.
"AI may help in detecting diseases early; predictive analytics would be possible; personalised treatment plans, among others, would be possible through AI-powered tools. Telemedicine has emerged as the lifeline between patients in far-flung places and quality healthcare without travel.”
Dr Prasad suggested that data management is an important aspect in the making of a future-ready healthcare system. He stated, “Leveraging machine learning algorithms can assist in gaining valuable insights and support in the early detection of emerging health threats, enabling timely interventions and more effective responses.”
In short, the cornerstone of a future-ready healthcare system completely hinges on a comprehensive digital healthcare infrastructure which is the key to helping caregivers, HCPs, satellite clinics and patients stay connected, which in turn improves the healthcare capabilities of India and its economic growth as well.
Surveillance systems
Identifying infectious disease outbreaks early on and monitoring them closely is a crucial aspect of a tough healthcare system. Schemes such as the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and Integrated public health laboratories help to expedite surveillance end to end while strengthening the public healthcare ecosystem.
Dr Bhaskaran stated, "Preparedness to respond to disease outbreaks is critical. India has made strides in establishing surveillance and management systems, but these need continuous enhancement.”
He believes that the best way forward would be to invest In training healthcare workers, and improving data collection and analysis would enhance the rapid response capabilities.
Thaploo while lauding the efforts of the government in the wake of the pandemic highlighted the gaps in the response mechanisms. He cited a few challenges which include the lack of coordination between central and state governments and lack of investments in research for vaccines and treatments for prevalent diseases like tuberculosis and dengue.
However, Aggarwal brought to focus on the power of AI in bailing Indian healthcare out of crunch situations. He suggested that the integration of electronic health records and centralised data systems can improve response mechanisms.
“Real-time data sharing among healthcare providers will strengthen India's's preparedness to address emerging infectious and zoonotic diseases, ensuring timely intervention and effective management,” mentioned Aggarwal.
Public-private partnerships( PPP)
PPP holds immense opportunity in fuelling the growth of Indian healthcare as well as solidifying its position to take on future challenges.Concerted efforts of the government and private players will open up new avenues to ensure that quality healthcare is meted out.
Aggarwal opined, "Public-private partnerships will play a pivotal role in ensuring the equitable distribution of technological advancements. Collaboration between governments, tech companies and healthcare providers can accelerate the adoption of smart technologies, making healthcare accessible to all, regardless of geography or socioeconomic status.”
Closing the gap
Healthcare disparities loom high like a heavy cloud on the healthcare system. In this regard, Dr Prasad highlighted the efforts made by the Kerala government in the wake of zoonotic disease outbreaks.
Their exemplary model of disease management and response to public threats according to him is worth emulating.
Dr Prasad goes on to say that the low-cost, high-quality healthcare services offered by Kerala stand out as a benchmark of equitable healthcare.
Investments and funding
The healthcare sector is a growing sector that requires significant investments. In order for India to navigate and address upcoming challenges, healthcare will need to be given top priority especially during budgetary allocation.
Financial support will need to be provided to help states and UTs bolster their response mechanisms in the wake of an outbreak.
Thaploo stated,"For meaningful transformation, the government must prioritise healthcare by increasing public spending to 3 per cent of GDP by 2025. This funding can be directed toward He also adds that private players must commit to ethical practices, affordable solutions, and rural outreach.”
Targeted initiatives
The healthcare sector is one of the largest in the country, in light of this it becomes crucial to bolster its capabilities, which in turn could have a direct bearing on the economy of the country. Strategic initiatives in the form of policies reforms and incentives need prime focus to address the long-standing challenges. Initiatives that will boost the growth of the sector and foster innovation are a few of the basic staples that will ensure a crisis-ready nation, ready to take on challenges head-on.
Dr Bhaskaran emphasised the role of research and development and promoting health education in strengthening the healthcare ecosystem in India. Sharma opined that encouraging innovation in pharmaceuticals, medical devices and healthcare delivery models could promote health equity in the future.
Dr Bhaskaran strongly felt that an infrastructure overhaul is the need of the hour, in which context he stated, "Strengthening supply chains for medications and medical supplies can also improve the overall efficiency of the healthcare system.”
Sharma stated that community Engagement should be fostered by raising public awareness about preventive health measures and the importance of vaccinations. He further added that integrated care models can be promoted through collaboration between primary, secondary and tertiary care providers to ensure seamless patient management.
A future-ready healthcare ecosystem will require policymakers, academics, industry leaders and government to join hands and engage in meaningful dialogues to help India realise its vision of an equitable healthcare system. Enhancing India's healthcare capabilities and capacities through a holistic and inter-disciplinary approach is the way forward to future-proofing our healthcare ecosystem.
