Discuss the role of private sector in providing health services in India

Question – Discuss the role of private sector in providing health services in India.

Answer – 

The private sector has been playing a dominant role in medical education and training, medical, technology and diagnostics, manufacture and sale of pharmaceuticals, hospitals construction, and provision of medical services.

More than 70% of the hospitals and 60% of total dispensaries in India are run by the private sector.

They provide health care to 80% of out-patients and nearly 50% of in-patients.

2/3 of total beds are in the private sector.

Since 1991, many NRI and industrial and pharmaceutical companies have set up super-specialty hospitals to attract India’s rich and medical tourists.

As per world bank estimates, at the time of independence, the private sector in India accounted for only 8% of total health care facilities but today, 93% of hospitals, 64% of total beds, and 80-85% out of total doctors are related to private-sector health care facilities.

Thus, the private sector plays a crucial role in providing quality health care services.

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