The healthcare system would exclude those covered under the newly-launched Ayushman Bharat scheme that mainly caters to the bottom 40 per cent population of the country.
NITI Aayog today released the report on ‘Health Systems for a New India: Building Blocks-Potential Pathways to Reforms.
The report was released by NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar in the presence of Bill Gates, the co-chairman of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
NITI Aayog Advisor, Health Alok Kumar said the report intends to prepare the road-map to build a health system in the medium- to long-term for those belonging to the middle class. He said, nearly 50 per cent are still not covered under any public healthcare system and the idea is to pool their risk assets which will cater to the health care needs of the middle class.
Speaking on the occasion, NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kamar said, the current health system reforms in Ayushman Bharat are critical and their success will be determined by several factors. He said, the vision for a Healthy India and quality Health For All requires to holistically transform the delivery of health care services in both the public and the private sectors and across all levels of care.
Bill Gates said India’s future is very bright because of its young population and highlighted that human capital of any country is the sum total of its healthcare, educational and nutritional investment for its citizens.
He said, primary healthcare is extremely important for all. He mentioned that the private sector needs to be involved to meet key challenges and that the Gates Foundation through its initiatives will extend all possible help.
NITI Aayog Chief Executive Officer Amitabh Kant said, the report presents a preliminary menu of strategic choices available before India to steer its health system and it will catalyze discussions and help policymakers in their decision-making process.
He said, at this juncture of India’s growth trajectory education, health and nutrition are key sectoral priorities.