The persistent health equity challenges in India pose a critical barrier in achieving Universal Health Coverage. In this context discuss the role of the public and private sectors in ensuring adequate health access and outcomes across rural and urban areas.

SDG — lays down immense stress upon achieving universal health coverage :

Persistent challenges

1. High OOPE ↳ Still > 60% OOPE (Out of pocket Exp.) ↳ Every second, 2 Indians fall into 'medical poverty trap'

2. Lack of focus upon preventive Healthcare & Poor Nutritional quotient of masses.

1. Rural urban Divide

3.1 Although Doctor-Popn Ratio has significantly improved to 1:834 ↳ Doctors are unwilling to serve @ Rural Areas.

3.2. Over 75% Health Infra is concentrated @ metro towns.

1. Quality of services ↳ PHC & CHCs are often out of order ↳ Apathy of staff and lack of HR training, Accountability.

Role of Public - Private Synergy

(1) Pvt sector can aid the govt in sound policy making & incorporating relevant incentives for private player.

(2) Cost efficiency : E.g startup [Renal projects] can provide Dialysis in only few thousand ₹

(3) Technological Innovation

Ex: Telemedicine would require high private sector participation.

(4) Scale Drone can help develop far flung areas, etc. Mass production of medicines & drugs (Ex: Serum Institute)

Thus, building a partnership is critical to reach last mile.

India's model of PPP-based UHC Ayushman Bharat