In this blog we are going to get some info of the work that Modi Government has done in the health sector. I think this blog is going to be useful if you just give it a glance and maybe it will be useful in gathering some overall info regarding health field.
You are also going to get UPSC questions based on Healthcare sector of India so give it a glance, who knows this might become useful in UPSC.
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Since 2014, the Modi government has made significant reforms in India’s health sector, focusing on affordability, accessibility, and infrastructure development. Here’s a comprehensive review:
1. Ayushman Bharat (2018) – World’s Largest Health Scheme
- PM-JAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana): Provides free health insurance of ₹5 lakh per family per year for 12 crore+ low-income families.
- Health & Wellness Centers (HWCs): Over 1.6 lakh HWCs have been established to provide primary healthcare services, including free medicines and diagnostics.
2. National Digital Health Mission (NDHM)
- Launched in 2020, it aims to create a digital health ID for every Indian, enabling seamless medical records and telemedicine services.
3. COVID-19 Management & Vaccine Drive
- World’s Largest Vaccination Drive: Over 220 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses administered.
- Made-in-India Vaccines: Covaxin and Covishield played a crucial role.
- PM CARES Fund for Ventilators: Over 50,000 ventilators provided to hospitals.
4. Medical Infrastructure Expansion
- AIIMS Expansion: 15 new AIIMS approved, of which several are operational.
- Increase in MBBS & PG Medical Seats: MBBS seats doubled from 52,000 (2014) to over 1 lakh (2023), and PG seats significantly increased.
- Rural Health Focus: Over 1.5 lakh health centers strengthened.
5. Affordable Medicines & Devices
- Jan Aushadhi Kendras: Over 10,000 stores providing medicines at 50-90% lower prices.
- Capping of Stent & Knee Implant Prices: Drastically reduced the cost of critical surgeries.
6. Swachh Bharat Mission & Public Health
- Sanitation Drive: Built over 11 crore toilets, reducing open defecation and improving hygiene-related diseases.
- Reduction in Infant Mortality & Maternal Mortality: Significant decline in IMR & MMR due to better nutrition and maternal care.
7. Mission Indradhanush (Immunization Program)
- Expanded vaccine coverage for children and pregnant women.
- Over 5 crore children immunized, reducing vaccine-preventable diseases.
8. Telemedicine & Digital Healthcare
- eSanjeevani: Over 15 crore teleconsultations, making healthcare accessible in remote areas.
9. National Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM)
- ₹64,000 crore investment to strengthen primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare infrastructure.
10. One Nation, One Health System (Ayush Integration)
- AYUSH Ministry Strengthened: Increased global recognition of Ayurveda and traditional medicine.
- WHO’s Global Centre for Traditional Medicine established in Gujarat.
All in all
The Modi government has significantly improved healthcare accessibility, affordability, and infrastructure, making healthcare a major priority. However, challenges like doctor shortages, rural healthcare gaps, and the need for more tertiary hospitals remain.
Comparison of Policy reforms of Manmohan Singh & Modi Government in the Healthcare Field :
| Aspect | Manmohan Singh Govt (2004-2014) | Modi Govt (2014-2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Approach | Focus on rural healthcare & disease eradication | Focus on universal health coverage & infrastructure |
| Health Budget Allocation | Increased but remained around 1-1.2% of GDP | Increased to 2.1% of GDP (2023-24) |
| Health Insurance | Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY): ₹30,000 cover for BPL families | Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY: ₹5 lakh insurance per family for 12+ crore poor families |
| Medical Infrastructure | Expansion of rural health centers (PHCs, CHCs) | 1.6 lakh Health & Wellness Centers built under Ayushman Bharat |
| AIIMS Expansion | 6 new AIIMS approved | 15 new AIIMS approved, many operational |
| Medical Education | Limited expansion of MBBS/PG seats | MBBS seats doubled from 52,000 to over 1 lakh |
| Affordable Medicines | Jan Aushadhi Scheme initiated in 2008 | Expanded Jan Aushadhi Kendras (10,000+ stores) selling medicines at 50-90% lower prices |
| Price Control on Medicines & Devices | No major price regulations | Capped prices of stents, knee implants, and essential medicines |
| Vaccination & Disease Control | National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), Pulse Polio | Mission Indradhanush, expanded immunization |
| Sanitation & Public Health | Some rural sanitation programs | Swachh Bharat Mission: 11 crore toilets, improved hygiene |
| Telemedicine & Digital Health | Limited digital focus | eSanjeevani: 15+ crore teleconsultations, National Digital Health Mission |
| Traditional Medicine (AYUSH) | Limited promotion | Global AYUSH Center (WHO-backed), Ayurveda expansion |
All in all
- Manmohan Singh’s government laid the foundation for rural healthcare and affordable medicines through initiatives like NRHM and Jan Aushadhi.
- Modi’s government expanded infrastructure, insurance coverage, digital health, and price control, making healthcare more affordable and accessible.
UPSC Practice Questions: Healthcare Reforms Under the Modi Government
UPSC Mains (Descriptive Questions)
- “Compare and contrast the healthcare policies of the Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi governments. How has India’s healthcare sector evolved between 2004 and 2024?” (250 words)
- “Ayushman Bharat is considered a game-changer in India’s healthcare system. Discuss its impact on accessibility and affordability of healthcare in India.” (250 words)
- “Critically analyze the role of Swachh Bharat Mission in improving public health indicators in India.”(150 words)
- “Discuss the significance of price control on essential medicines and medical devices in India. How has government intervention affected healthcare affordability?” (250 words)
- “Examine the role of digital health initiatives like eSanjeevani and the National Digital Health Mission in transforming India’s healthcare landscape.” (150 words)
- “Assess the impact of Mission Indradhanush on immunization coverage in India. How does it compare with previous immunization programs?” (150 words)
- “The AIIMS expansion program aims to improve healthcare infrastructure in India. Analyze its effectiveness in bridging regional healthcare disparities.” (250 words)
UPSC Prelims (MCQ-style Questions)
- Which of the following statements about Ayushman Bharat is correct?
a) It provides free healthcare up to ₹10 lakh per family.
b) It has two components: PM-JAY and Health & Wellness Centers.
c) It is applicable only to government hospitals.
d) It is available to all Indian citizens without income criteria.
(Answer: b) - Consider the following pairs of government schemes and their launch years:
- Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana – 2008
- Ayushman Bharat – 2018
- Jan Aushadhi Scheme – 2016
Which of the pairs is/are correctly matched?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) All of the above
(Answer: a) [Jan Aushadhi Scheme was initiated in 2008, expanded later]
- What is the main objective of eSanjeevani?
a) Digital payments in healthcare
b) Online telemedicine consultation
c) Insurance claim settlement
d) AI-based disease prediction
(Answer: b) - Which of the following is a key component of the National Digital Health Mission?
a) Health ID for every citizen
b) Free universal health insurance
c) Mandatory electronic health records
d) Online AI-based diagnosis
(Answer: a) - Swachh Bharat Mission primarily aimed at:
a) Reducing water pollution
b) Eliminating open defecation
c) Increasing air quality in urban areas
d) Promoting organic farming
(Answer: b)
Conclusion :
The healthcare reforms under the Modi government have undoubtedly been a milestone, bringing visible transformation to India’s healthcare sector. The implementation of key policies like Ayushman Bharat, AIIMS expansion, Jan Aushadhi Kendras, and digital health initiatives has been highly effective, ensuring that healthcare reaches even the most remote areas.
One of the biggest strengths of the Modi government has been its strong marketing and communication strategy, which has made people aware of the changes happening in the healthcare sector. Unlike the Manmohan Singh government, which focused on policy without much public outreach, the Modi government has ensured that every major healthcare initiative is well-publicized, creating a sense of awareness and participation among citizens.
Additionally, during Manmohan Singh’s tenure, national security concerns and terror-related incidents often overshadowed achievements in other sectors, including healthcare. In contrast, the Modi government has kept healthcare at the forefront of its governance agenda, making it one of the most visible and impactful areas of reform.
I hope you liked this UPSC Review, give it a glance and who knows you will get some points out of it.
Best of Luck