Evolving Public Health Challenges
Public health is changing with modern lifestyles and economic growth.
New challenges include antimicrobial resistance, chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mental health issues, and zoonotic diseases.
NCDs alone cause over 60% of global deaths and are rising.
A modern public health system must focus on environment, socio-economic factors, and people’s behavior—not just disease treatment.
Ayushman Bharat and Government Initiatives
The Indian government launched Ayushman Bharat in 2018 to improve healthcare access.
It includes:
Pradhan Mantri - Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): ₹5 lakh insurance for the poor and elderly.
Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs): Health and Wellness Centres delivering full-spectrum care.
Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM): Strengthening health infrastructure.
These initiatives help reduce out-of-pocket expenses and improve access to primary care.
Trust and the Public Health System
Public trust in government healthcare is low, affecting service usage.
Private hospitals are often preferred for cleaner facilities and faster care.
Despite improvements at the primary level, public healthcare still struggles with patient trust and user experience.
To improve trust, India has introduced National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) to meet international healthcare benchmarks.
Looking Ahead
A strong health system isn’t just about infrastructure—it must be trusted, responsive, and outcome-driven.
India’s public health standards need an upgrade to focus on quality, not just basic services.
By measuring and sharing user experiences, the system can become more transparent and trustworthy.
Reaching Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 depends on building a high-quality, inclusive public health system.
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