M Neelam Kachhap – Bangalore
The Indian government is considering a new law to provide affordable and quality healthcare for all. “Like RTI and RTE have brought about a sea change in our life, right-to-healthcare (RTH) will also revolutionise healthcare in India,” said Dr Devi Shetty, Chairman, Narayana Hrudayalaya.
Talking to the media at the announcement press conference of the 3rd Edition of Healthex International 2012 on August 14, Dr Shetty, said that RTH will become a reality in one or two years.
This law when enforced will not only encourage the government to spend more on healthcare but will also make the poor participate in healthcare delivery.
Currently, the government spends 1.1 per cent of GDP on healthcare and 75 per cent of the healthcare spending in India is out-of-pocket. India will be the first country to disassociate healthcare from affluence and show the world that quality healthcare can be provided at much lower price than the current costs.
RTH will also provide access to healthcare with dignity to the unregulated workers and poor. Shetty said, “Initial response to RTH have been phenomenal and encouraging. The proposed law is being applauded by both the ruling and the opposition parties.”