How Healthcare Infra Drives Urban & Semi-Urban Access

Jasdeep Singh brings over 20 years of experience in the healthcare sector. He has held leadership positions at prominent hospital chains, most recently serving as the Group COO of Columbia Asia Hospitals, where he oversaw 11 hospitals and 1,200 beds across India. Prior to this, he was the CEO of Milan IVF and held various management roles at Fortis Healthcare from 2002 to 2016. Known for his expertise in operational efficiency, clinical program expansion, and fostering patient-centric cultures, Jasdeep has played a pivotal role in driving healthcare innovation and excellence throughout his career.

In the past few decades, India's healthcare sector has under gone significant transformations marked by advancements in infrastructure, technology, and accessibility. India's healthcare system is growing, but it faces significant challenges. While innovation and initiatives have improved the sector, they are still not enough to serve the entire population. More healthcare centers are needed to ensure that everyone can access treatment. The gaps in healthcare need to be filled and access to services must be improved to meet the increasing demand.

Private and public hospitals work together to meet healthcare needs. Private hospitals focus on advanced technology, specialized care, and patient-friendly services, catering mainly to the middle and upper classes. They lead innovation, pro-vide high-end treatments, and attract medical tourists. Public hospitals, on the other hand, are vital for afford-able care, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, offering essential services to economically weaker sec-tions. With skilled specialists, public hospitals are the backbone of health-care. To address growing healthcare demands, collaboration between the public and private sectors is crucial.

Rising Demand for Healthcare Services in Urban & Semi-Urban Areas

Hospitals are expanding rapidly, especially in urban and semi-ur-ban areas, to meet the growing demand. Eco-friendly designs and patient-friendly environments are gaining attention. Infection control measures, such as antibacterial materials, are being prioritized. Tele-medicine and virtual consultations are reshaping healthcare, making specialized care more accessible in remote areas. Additionally, niche hospitals focusing on fields like on-cology and cardiology are on the rise, leveraging advanced technolo-gy to improve patient care.

Strong infrastructure is a key to improving healthcare access. Quality facilities ensure smooth patient flow, particularly during emergencies, and reduce travel time for people in rural and semi-urban areas. Better roads and transport systems have made healthcare more accessible. Modern hospitals enhance patient comfort, hygiene, and overall expe-rience. Infrastructure development also creates jobs, attracts private in-vestment, and supports sustainable healthcare growth, especially with India's growing population.

Role of Technology & Strategies for Sustainable Growth

Technology is transforming healthcare by making high-quality services available regardless of location. Telemedicine is crucial for remote consultations, particularly in underserved areas. Innovations such as health monitoring devices, 3D printing, and robotic surgeries are enhancing diagnostics and treatments, offering personalized care and improving outcomes. Digital health records in-crease the accuracy and efficiency of medical care. Overall, technology not only meets the growing demand but also improves access and quality.

Hospitals must expand services to underserved areas while ensuring quality and affordability. Building patient trust through consistent care is essential. Continuous training for healthcare workers is vital to meet evolving needs. Technology investments are key to improving accessibility and fostering innova-tive treatments. Telemedicine and personalized care will continue to be in demand. Community engagement through awareness programs and partnerships can strengthen hospitals' commitment to public health.

India's Healthcare Budget 2025: Policies, Progress, and Challenges

Government policies are shaping the future of healthcare infrastructure. Initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana has improved healthcare access in rural and semiurban areas. Policies focused on elderly care are becoming increasingly important with India's aging population. Public private partnerships, supported by government incentives, are essential for better healthcare delivery. Training programs to develop skilled healthcare professionals and financial support through improved insurance policies can bridge the gap between healthcare demand and affordability.

Recently Indian Union Budget 2025 has provided  95,957.87 crore for the healthcare sector, a 9.46 percent increase from last year. Yet, the health expenditure is still less than the National Health Policy (2017) advice of 2.5 percent of GDP, which only accounts for 1.94 percent of the total budget. This diminishing proportion is of concern, particularly as primary healthcare remains to get less than the recommended two-thirds share, remaining at 40 percent. The National Health Mission (NHM) has also witnessed a decreasing proportion, showing a trend toward investments in tertiary care such as AIIMS rather than enhancing primary and preventive care.

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PMJAY) saw an allocation of  95,957.87 crore, up by 29 percent and the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PMABHIM) was allocated  4,200 crore, an increase of 40 percent. These hikes target increasing tertiary health-care, while important investments in public health infrastructure are still limited. Moreover, the suggestion of a healthcare cess by way of increased GST on tobacco and sweetened products were left out, missing a chance for sustainable financing. Although the budget reflects some improvement, it fails to address completely the gaps in India's healthcare system.

Looking Ahead

Healthcare has emerged as one of India's biggest industries, both in employment and revenue terms, covering hospitals, medical devices, clinical trials, outsourcing, telemedicine, medical tourism, health insurance, and medical equipment. The industry is expanding fast with enhanced coverage, better services, and rising spending from both public and private sectors. Also, in recent healthcare budgetary provisions have a step in the right direction, more robust government policies and greater investments in primary and preventive care is needed for sustainable development. An ongoing emphasis on equitable access, especially in primary healthcare is needed to bring about a healthier future for all.