MUMBAI: Can India ensure equitable healthcare access for all its citizens by 2047? A collaborative report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and TPA Medi Assist suggests that it is achievable through a “borderless health” model leveraging data integration, AI, and a tiered system tailored to different socio-economic groups.
Tiered Approach to Inclusive Healthcare
The report proposes categorizing India’s population into three segments—emerging, middle, and affluent groups—each supported by specific stakeholders:
- Emerging Groups: Strengthened government-funded schemes to ensure basic healthcare access.
- Middle Groups: Expansion of employer-sponsored insurance plans to improve coverage.
- Affluent Groups: Personalised healthcare solutions through private insurers and advanced medical plans.
This segmentation, supported by AI-driven automation and unified health data systems, aims to streamline healthcare delivery and reduce disparities.
Key Recommendations
The report outlines three core strategies to achieve universal healthcare by 2047:
- Joined Health Data: Unified and digital health records to facilitate seamless information sharing and care coordination.
- Automated Claim Settlements: AI-driven systems for 100% cashless transactions, reducing fraud and inefficiencies.
- Mobile-Enabled Access: On-demand healthcare solutions accessible through mobile technology for real-time support.
Current Challenges in Healthcare Spending
India’s healthcare spending stands at just 3.3% of GDP, significantly below global benchmarks, including both developed and emerging economies. This underinvestment, coupled with insufficient insurance coverage, imposes a substantial financial burden on households, particularly in rural regions.
Key findings from the report include:
- Out-of-Pocket Expenditure: Accounts for approximately 45% of total healthcare spending.
- Skewed Spending: Only 14% of funds are allocated to preventive care, while 38% go to curative care.
- Rising Costs: Medical inflation reached 14% in 2023, with claim sizes increasing by 11.4%.
Vision for 2047
To bridge these gaps, the report emphasizes the need for comprehensive reforms, increased investment, and a proactive shift from curative to preventive healthcare. Leveraging AI, mobile technology, and innovative funding models can help India achieve equitable and affordable healthcare access for its 1.4 billion citizens by its centennial year of independence.
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