Mounting population in India affects the public healthcare system

On the occasion of World Population Day on 11th July, let’s look at how the rising population has become a major concern in India. After India became independent in 1947, the country’s population grew from 336 million to 1.5 billion that raised concerns about public health, poverty, infection and easy access to health care. A holistic approach is needed to resolve this issue like shifting from population management to women’s empowerment, health and education as well as promoting family planning and reproductive health care. Basis our public healthcare system, demand surpasses supply. However, it would be an oversight to ignore supply chain issues and focus only at demand.

HR crunch in healthcare

A report cites that India has about 20 healthcare workers per 10,000 population with allopathic doctors making up 31% of the staff, nurses and midwives 30%, pharmacists 11%, Ayush doctors 9% and others 9%. These workers are not equally distributed. Most of them prefer to work where there is a plethora of facilities for family life and prospects for professional growth are better. Poor areas in North India and Central India by and large have lower rate of healthcare professionals.

Non-affordability of healthcare services

This concern arises especially because the country’s population is rapidly increasing which makes it extremely difficult for low-income groups to access quality healthcare due to higher costs in the sector.

Fertility rate

In 17 out of 22 states, fertility rates have fallen below replacement levels – two births per woman. Data from the India Decennial Census and the National Family Health Survey show a major decline in fertility rates across all communities in India. As birth rates decline and lifespan improves, the healthcare system faces huge pressure.

Addressing inequality

It is all the more important to recognize the inequitable distribution of resources, unsustainable consumption and modes of production as major issues. Addressing such inequities will lead to better healthcare facilities for all and sustainable development. Investing in girls’ education and women’s empowerment is all the more important.