INTRODUCTION
In a growing society, where healthcare costs are too expensive and access to quality medical service is only a right of rich people. Rather than being a basic right of all citizens, medical care has become a reach for rich people only. Governments around the globe has understood the importance of ensuring good healthcare, regardless of their socio economic status. Indian Government has taken an initiative to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to all citizens of country. The program is National Health Insurance Program often abbreviated as NHIP. The NHIP operates through a system of insurance, where individual or employers contribute fund either directly or indirectly. These contributions are then used to cover costs of medical services, including hospitalization, doctor visits, medication and preventive care.
KEY FEATURES OF NHIP:-
1. Pooling of Risks- By accumulating financial resources from a large and diverse population, the NHIP dilutes the risk of high healthcare costs among beneficiaries. This helps to reduce the financial burden on beneficiaries who may need costly medical care.
2. Universal coverage- NHIP makes sure that all citizens, regardless of their income level or employment status have reach to required healthcare services.
3. Cost-sharing mechanism – Though NHIP targets making healthcare services affordable for all, some programs also take care of cost-sharing mechanisms such as co-payments or deductibles. This is done to encourage effective and accountable use of healthcare resources.
- Government Oversight- The Government of India operate and control the program to ensure accountability, transparency, and quality control within the healthcare system.
5. Comprehensive benefit- The NHIP provides an extensive range of healthcare benefits, covering preventive care, primary care, hospitalization, specialist consultations, surgeries, and prescription medication.
The objective of NHIP:-
1. Universal Coverage- The primary objective of the National Health Insurance Program is to make sure that essential healthcare services are accessible to all citizens without facing any financial problems.
2.Health outcomes – NHIM strives to improve overall health outcomes and reduce the occurrence of preventable diseases by promoting timely access to healthcare.
3. Economic stability – NHIP contributes to economic stability by reducing healthcare-related productivity losses and encouraging a more productive human resource by ensuring a healthy and active population.
4. Financial Protection – NHIP aims to protect individuals and families from the burden of high medical expenses by equipping them with insurance coverage for a wide range of healthcare services.
- Healthcare access – The program aims to improve access to medical care for everyone irrespective of class or social status.
6. Continous Improvement- NHIP targets to continuously review and enhance its service to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the population.
7. Equity – The program maintains equality by reducing differentiation in healthcare access and outcomes by providing equal opportunity for everyone to get necessary medical treatment.
8. Sustainability – The program aims to maintain financial sustainability by balancing coverage expansion with cheaper healthcare delivery mechanisms.
EXAMPLES OF HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMS IN OTHER COUNTRIES:-
- National Health Service (United Kingdom): – The National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom offers healthcare services that are free for residents of Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- Medicare (United States): – Medicare is a National Health Insurance program in the United States that mainly gives coverage for 65-year-old or older individuals as well as some younger people with disabilities.
- Medicare (Australia):– Medicare in Australia gives universal healthcare coverage for Australian citizens which covers a wide range of medical services and medications.
CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD:-
CHALLENGES:
1. Funding- Getting sustainable funding for the insurance program is challenging, at a time when the cost of healthcare is increasing and an aging population.
2. Resource allocation- Equal distribution of resources to meet the diverse healthcare needs of citizens poses a challenge.
3. Wait time- Long wait times for some medical facilities or specialist appointments can be frustrating for patients and may negatively impact the quality of service.
4. Infrastructure Deficit-Inadequate facilities for processing as well as storing sustainable produce pose a challenge.
5. Awareness Gap- Farmers and people involved in farming as a whole are unaware of the benefits of sustainable practices.
WAY FORWARD:
1. Innovative Funding Solutions- Innovative funding mechanisms such as health taxes or public-private partnerships may arrange enough funding for healthcare.
2. Investment in technology- Adopting technology to enhance healthcare deliveries, enhance patient satisfaction and reduce waiting time.
3. Preventive care promotion – Investing in preventive care initiatives to reduce the load of chronic diseases and hence prevent costly medical treatment.
4. Efficiency Improvement – By streamlining administrative processes and reducing bureaucracy, the efficiency of healthcare deliveries may be improved.
5. Community engagement – Involving populations in healthcare decision-making and promoting health education to enable individuals to take care of their health.
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, though the National Health Insurance program faces so many challenges the program is essential for ensuring access to healthcare for all. By addressing resource allocation, wait time reduction, and funding issues, the program can become more effective in meeting the Healthcare needs of the large population. Investing in technology, embracing innovations, and promoting preventive care are key steps toward improving the effectiveness and efficiency of these programs. Moreover, educating people about healthcare and importance of community engagement may empower individuals to make decisions about their health. It is crucial to make the National Health Insurance program accessible and affordable to everyone for its success. Together we can build a healthier and more impartial society where no one is left behind in pursuit of good health.
Nice article. Very informative.
Thanks
Thanks Sir for your positive reply.
Good article on National Health Insurance program. A quick review about the program written in simple english.
Thanks Mam for your comment.