India’s healthcare burden has shifted significantly from Maternal and Child health and common communicable diseases to rising prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Incidentally, NCDs are now responsible for more than 65 per cent of deaths in the country. Recognizing this, the government of India envisioned to a transformation in primary health, changing its focus from very selective to comprehensive primary healthcare, delivered via upgraded primary health facilities- Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs). As the first pillar of Ayushman Bharat, more than 1.5 lakh HWCs (now known as Ayushman Arogya Mandir) were operationalized between 2018-22.
Today, there are more than 1.6 HWCs across the country and HWCs have become a cornerstone of India’s public healthcare strategy. However, the sheer size of the population, limited resources, and the expansion of services require a multifaceted approach. The private health sector, which caters to more than 70 per cent of all healthcare needs of population, can significantly contribute to better running of HWCs. The private sector brings a wealth of experience and technological advancements that can enhance the quality of healthcare services provided at HWCs. Collaboration allows for the integration of telemedicine services, advanced diagnostic tools, digital health solutions and a more patient-centric approach.
With this background, FICCI is leading a health industry movement on Primary Health via ‘Smart HWCs’, in association with NATHEALTH and OMAG (Organised Medicine Academic Guild). Together, they bring the collective strength of over 300 member organizations from the health sector.
The aim is to collaborate with State Governments in a few selected HWCs to transform them into model ‘Smart HWCs’. This is the first of its kind project in the country. These ‘Smart HWCs’ will showcase delivery of comprehensive primary healthcare, incorporating all 12 service areas and 9 key components. The operationalization of these aspects will be achieved by leveraging the expertise of the private sector. FICCI approached two States- UP and Chhattisgarh for this project and an MoU has been signed in January 2024 with NHM UP for 30 HWCs in Lucknow District.
The model ‘Smart HWCs’ will serve as a platform for all health sector members to share their expertise, test their innovative solutions and allocate their CSR funds for improving primary healthcare. This initiative presents a golden opportunity for the private health sector to leave an indelible mark in primary health, that can take care of 80% of all health needs of our countrymen and reduce the burden on secondary and tertiary health facilities. Such collaboration between the private healthcare sector and the government in the HWCs is a crucial step towards achieving universal and equitable healthcare in India.
‘Smart HWC’ MoU Exchange between Shri Brajesh Pathak, Deputy CM and Cabinet Minister for Medical Education, Medical Health, Family Welfare, Mother and Child Welfare, Government of Uttar Pradesh (Centre) and FICCI.
Other Dignitaries from L to R: Shri Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma, Principal Secretary, Medical, Health & Family Welfare, Govt of UP; Shri Ranjan Kumar, Secretary, Medical Health & Family Welfare Dept, Govt of UP; Dr Om Manchanda, Chair-FICCI Diagnostics Task Force and MD, Dr Lal PathLabs; and Shri Mayankeshwar Sharan Singh, State Minister, Parliamentary Affairs, Medical Education, Medical and Health, Family Welfare, Mother and Child Welfare, Govt of UP.
The author is Chair, FICCI Swasth Bharat Task Force; Executive Chairman, Dr Lal Path Labs and Managing Trustee, ALVL Foundation
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