ABSTRACT
India has implemented several measures at both the national and state levels to improve healthcare accessibility. It has also signed various global health policies, especially those related to achieving universal health coverage (UHC). Despite multiple claims made by consecutive administrations, there has been limited achievement in fulfilling these objectives, particularly in urban areas. The urbanisation rate in India is rising sharply. We can expect about 40% of the population to reside in cities by 2030. A major cause for alarm is the growing disparity in healthcare access experienced by the urban poor, who currently make up nearly 30% of the country’s impoverished population. The fragmented, weak, and poorly governed urban health system, as well as the numerous vulnerabilities faced by urban populations, contributes significantly to the inadequate accessibility of health services. The National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) programme was a significant step in organising urban healthcare services and acknowledging the unique needs of the urban population. However, its implementation in urban areas has been patchy and has not effectively enhanced the availability, accessibility, and affordability of health services. This chapter discusses the challenges of accessing healthcare in urban areas and possible solutions towards achieving healthcare for all through effective and efficient urban healthcare in India. There is an urgent need to revisit the policies for urban health in India in alignment with the nation’s commitment to achieving health for all. This chapter will give a broader guideline for dealing with special healthcare challenges and special needs of the urban population. We have carried out a comprehensive literature review to obtain relevant studies related to the challenges of accessing healthcare in urban areas and identifying innovative solutions via case studies on improving urban health. We have also looked for relevant policies, programmes, and guidelines related to urban health in India. The electronic databases PubMed Central, Science Direct, and Scopus are searched with relevant search terms. This chapter provides practical recommendations and approaches to tackle the complex urban health scenario for achieving UHC in India.
