ABSTRACT
As India progresses towards its centenary of independence in 2047, the health of its population must be a cornerstone of national development. Health is both an economic imperative and an inalienable human right, central to achieving equitable and sustainable growth. Current development metrics, such as gross domestic product (GDP), often overlook disparities and fail to reflect the multifaceted determinants of health. Health and well-being (SDG 3) serve as a summative indicator of success across all sustainable development goals (SDGs), demonstrating interdependence with poverty alleviation, education, environmental protection, and gender equity.
India faces a significant gap between life expectancy (70.2 years in 2020) and healthy life expectancy (60.3 years), highlighting the need for an integrated, equity-focused health strategy. The country must address lessons from its past, including strengthening public-sector healthcare, addressing workforce shortages, and leveraging the transformative impact of initiatives such as the Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) programme and pooled public procurement of essential medicines.
The COVID-19 pandemic emphasised the need for robust public health systems, effective risk communication, and multisectoral coordination. Moving forward, India’s health goals can be structured around four pillars: universal health coverage (UHC) led by primary care, alignment of other sectors with public health goals, active community engagement, and advancements in science and technology.
Achieving UHC requires public financing, improved service coverage, and quality healthcare delivery, with primary care as the foundation. Integrating public, private, and voluntary sectors under accountable frameworks will ensure efficient resource utilisation. Investments in health research and technology innovation, particularly in context-relevant areas, will strengthen self-reliance and global contributions. With a focus on health equity and community involvement, India can envision a healthier future, where health becomes a shared capability and a defining marker of national progress.
