Health care reforms in India

Health care reforms were introduced back in the year 2005 through programs that emphasized fortifying rural health services. It also aimed at offering financial protection to the weaker sections of society. India is expected to emerge as one of the world’s most populous nations by the year 2025 with a population of around 1.3 billion.

At present, India ranks way below some of the neighboring countries in terms of infant mortality, maternal mortality, and life expectancy rate. The launch of health care reforms has brought in numerous changes to those individuals who purchase their health insurance. It indicates the fact that your health plan

• Should meet certain requirements
• Capable of covering a standard set of services known as essential health benefits

It also implies that an individual would receive financial support from the concerned government thereby reducing the cost of health insurance. This is referred to as subsidy and out of which one lowers monthly payment while the other one share of the costs.

Absence of health insurance

Health care reforms prove beneficial for people to obtain coverage.

• Health insurance companies might turn you down as you are suffering from serious ailments. They may even charge a higher rate based on your health condition.
• You would receive assistance by paying for the plan. Alternatively, individuals must be eligible for plans with minimum deductibles.

What is access to health care services and their significance?

Access to health care services refers to the appropriate usage of personal health services to attain a positive outcome. However, stick to the below-mentioned steps:-

• Gaining access to the health care system through insurance coverage
• To access a specific location wherein health care services are offered
• Tracking a reliable health care provider with whom the patient trusts the most and interact.

Access to health care has a direct impact on the social, physical, and overall quality of life.

What are the obstacles to the health care services?

• Expensive
• Absence of insurance coverage
• Inadequate services
• Lack of adequate care

The above-mentioned barriers for accessing health services would lead to-

• Delays in obtaining appropriate care
• Financial burden
• Unnecessary hospitalizations
• Unable to receive preventive services

Health Insurance coverage

Health Insurance Coverage assists patients in gaining access to the health care system. Inadequate coverage would make it extremely complicated for the individuals to avail the health care services in times of emergencies. It burdens them with hefty medical bills as well. Those people who are not insured are most likely to

• Poor health
• Not able to access medical care
• Diagnosis carried out at a later stage
• Susceptible to premature death

Services offered

Individuals with standard sources of care possess a better health outcome, fewer disparities, and minimum expenses. The presence of a primary care provider helps develop a fruitful relationship with the patients while offering integrated services. Some of its additional benefits are as follows:

• Utmost trust in the service provider
• Proper communication between patient and provider
• Patients are most likely to receive better care and support
• Lower mortality rate

Clinical preventive services

• It helps prevents illness through inculcating healthy behavioral patterns in people without any potential risks. For example proper diet and exercise counseling
• Providing assistance and support to those individuals who are prone to diseases.
• Track and cure people with no symptoms, but risk factors are high before the development of clinical illness.

Apart from primary care and preventive services, an emergency medical service plays a crucial role in caring the people. Emergency medical services (EMS) features a standard and highly advanced life support

Appropriate timings in offering health care

Timeliness is the ability of a health care system to offer health care instantly once a need is identified. It consists of the availability of appointments along with care for illness in emergencies.

Conclusion

Health care reforms were introduced to help the weaker sections of the society. Providing adequate support and guidance to the patients would help reduce the intensity of ailments.