KPMG highlights 15 top priorities for transforming Indian healthcare in its new report

The report also highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us to think about the national priority areas that should be identified and given immediate focus to pave the way for the transformation of the healthcare industry. This is the correct time for the government and the private players to work in synergy towards translating the top priorities into a plan and target to achieve the 2024 agenda

The COVID-19 pandemic has become one of the biggest health emergencies faced by the global community, affecting not only health systems across nations but also economic structures. India also had to navigate through the pandemic and a myriad of other challenges by undertaking strategies to balance both the health and economic stability of the country. As India advances towards a Rs 5 trillion dollar economy by 2024–25, KPMG in India has come out with a report titled – “15 top priorities for transforming Indian healthcare: the 2024 agenda” that highlights the certain priority areas needed for transforming the Indian healthcare industry.

As per the report, the top 15 priorities for transforming Indian healthcare and achieving the 2024 agenda include:

• Expanding financing for ‘Healthy India’
• Promoting ‘Healthy India’ as a mass movement
• Launching a healthcare sector promotion programme
• Ensuring health coverage for all
• Strengthening the primary care system
• Redefining and reviving public-private partnerships
• Driving Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) till the last mile
• ‘National Health App’ for aggregating healthcare services across the value chain
• ‘National Task Force’ for healthcare workforce development
• Building a ‘National Medical Network’
• Developing ‘National Health Quality Index’ and transparency system
• Strengthening medical hubs/medicities across India
• Stepping up the national surveillance system
• Utilising telemedicine, virtual care, metaverse
• Decarbonising healthcare

Commenting on the report Dr Anna van Poucke, Global Head of Healthcare, KPMG International said, “New healthcare models or ecosystem of solutions are being envisioned and implemented in India which are increasing the accessibility of healthcare for the population, allow providers to be more effective in care delivery, helping patients to take control of their health by using their data, and forcing healthcare organisations to use these date to deliver more personalised treatments. India is taking major steps for the overall strengthening of the Indian healthcare system, however, to increase the resilience and sustainability of the system and to ensure preparedness against future pandemics, the government, as well as the private players, need to accelerate on the journey they have started, and need an overarching program, to ensure that the right steps are taken at the right time”.

Lalit Mistry, Partner and Co-Head of Healthcare Sector, KPMG in India said, “India is witnessing cohesive efforts post COVID-19 pandemic from all the relevant stakeholders towards building a healthy nation. India should continue the momentum and prioritise these systemic reforms in a phased manner by focusing on key areas for the next two years. This report highlights the top 15 priorities that will aid in strengthening India’s healthcare system.”