The burden of inadequate healthcare infrastructure falls heavily on the poor, perpetuating cycles of poverty and poor health outcomes. In this context, discuss the issues with the country's health infrastructure and suggest measures to strengthen it.

As per the National Family Health Survey-5 > 50% women suffer from anaemia and 73% children suffer from stunting and wasting. Issues with health infrastructure: → High out of pocket expenditure (26%) due to low government expenditure on health (~ 1.25% of GDP). → Poor quality of primary health centres in rural areas - unavailability of medicines, health staff, doors, labs/testing facilities. → Unregulated prices of health care services in private hospitals. → Low penetration of insurance facilities.

Lack of awareness, stereotypes against people with HIV, use of HARMs / Nagi magic etc. Measures to strengthen it: → 15th FC recommendation - ensure govt expenditure to 2.5% of GDP on health. - Appoint / introduce All India medical services. → Health insurance by govt for the poor families upto Rs 5L under PM-JAY & upgradation of PHC into HWC. → Increase salaries of ASHA workers to better their services. → Institution deliveries promoted through Janani Shishu Suraksha Yojana. → Focus on food security (NFS 2013) & Nutrition (PM POSHAN). By achieving the above, India can fulfill SDG goal of No poverty (SDG-1), zero hunger (2) and avoid preventable mortality.

— Ritu Goyal · AIR 223