NATIONAL HEALTH POLICY 2017

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the National Health Policy, 2017 (NHP, 2017).  The Policy seeks to reach everyone in a comprehensive integrated way to move towards wellness.  It aims at achieving universal health coverage and delivering quality health care services to all at affordable cost .The main objective of the National Health Policy 2017 is to achieve the highest possible level of good health , and to achieve universal access to good quality health care services without anyone having to face financial hardship as a consequence.


Key highlights:

* The government aims in shifting focus from “sick-care” to “wellness”.

* It intends on gradually increasing public health expenditure to 2.5% of the GDP.

* The policy proposes increasing access, improving quality and reducing costs. 

*It proposes free drugs, free diagnostics and free emergency and essential healthcare services in public hospitals.

* To reduce morbidity and preventable mortality of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by advocating pre-screening.

* To promote Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative by using drugs and devices manufactured in the country.

* It highlights AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) as a tool for effective prevention and therapy that is safe and cost-effective. It proposes introducing Yoga in more schools and offices to promote good health.

* Reforming medical education.