Since the NHPM represents the foundation for a universal health coverage system that should eventually cover all Indians, it needs to be given a sound legal basis, ideally through a separate law. The government should take the bold step of including these groups universally; the financial risk can be borne by the taxpayer. Universal health coverage is defined by the WHO as a state when “all people obtain the health services they need without suffering financial hardship when paying for them”. Affordable housing, planned urban development, pollution control and road safety are some aspects vital for reducing the public health burden. In some of its early assessments on the road to universal health coverage, NITI Aayog advocated a State-specific approach rather than a grand national health system to expand access.

Source: The Hindu March 23, 2018 18:45 UTC