A major point of discussion on Times Network’s annual flagship event — India Economic Conclave 2018 was PM Narendra Modi’s flagship the ‘Ayushman Bharat Scheme’. Akrita Reyar, Chief Editor (Digital), Times Network caught up with Apollo Hospitals MD Suneeta Reddy at the event to know the laters take at the health insurance scheme and also the future needs of India’s abysmal healthcare sector.
Suneeta Reddy believes that the ‘Ayushman Bharat Scheme‘ is a welcome initiative in India’s healthcare ecosystem. The Apollo MD further added, “it’s not no price, I think it will cover the cost of some of the considerable.”
Reportedly, the Ayushman Bharat Yojana or Modicare is a completely Government sponsored healthcare scheme. Introduced in 2018, the scheme aims at a complete overhaul of the primary, secondary and tertiary health care systems. Besides focussing on preventive and promotive measures, the scheme provides annual healthcare cover plans up to 5 lakh rupees per family. The scheme is pegged to benefit over 50 crore Indians. Also, part of the scheme are 1.5 Lakh wellness centres spread across India’s diverse demography.
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Suneeta Reddy feels that private healthcare sector participation in the initiative can grow by a manifold with necessary government impetus like subsidies, GST leverage with Zero rating. However, with time a much clearer picture on the same will be possible.
On the state of medical education, Suneeta Reddy stressed the need to better understand the need of the marketplace followed with effective solutions. At first impression, the Indian Healthcare needs is in dire needs of more doctors, nurses, health centers and technologists. The numbers need to be more than double of what the sector has at this point in time. MD Suneeta Reddy feels that the private sector participation is equally important in this regard. Good Quality Education at affordable costs is the primary building stone for a robust healthcare ecosystem in the country. Also, Government needs to pledge greater share in Budget allocation so that the course structure and facilities (modern technology/equipment) for students is in line with global standards.
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Suneeta Reddy also stressed on the need of mentoring plus entrepreneurship for current market leaders. Mentoring and Entrepreneurship are important to pass on the core values of the sector to the next generation. In the healthcare sector, it is important for current-gen medical service providers and professionals to realize that the sole primary objective must be to provide the best possible treatment with equal care. If healthcare service providers remain focused on good service with care, profits will follow.
