India

The National Health Policy (NHP) 2017 of India aims to strengthen and align health systems to address current and emerging challenges while improving access, quality, and affordability of healthcare services. The NHP 2017 identifies changing health priorities, including the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), persistent infectious diseases, and catastrophic health expenditures contributing to poverty. It emphasizes a preventive and promotive healthcare approach, universal health coverage (UHC), and financial protection for all citizens. The policy acknowledges the pivotal role of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aligns national strategies with global targets. Progress has been noted in maternal and child health, vaccination programs, and disease-specific interventions like tuberculosis elimination and HIV control. However, challenges remain in achieving equity, reducing out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures, and addressing regional disparities in healthcare infrastructure and human resources. NHP 2017 establishes a framework for systemic reform through measurable goals: Health Status Improvements: Targets include increasing life expectancy to 70 years by 2025, reducing under-five mortality to 23, and achieving a decline in premature mortality due to NCDs by 25%. Healthcare System Performance: Strategies focus on increasing public health spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2025, enhancing primary care services, and expanding secondary/tertiary care access via strategic public-private partnerships. Cross-Sectoral Collaboration: The policy highlights a multi-sectoral approach, addressing social determinants like sanitation, nutrition, and lifestyle modifications. While the policy is comprehensive, achieving its ambitious objectives requires bridging resource gaps, improving accountability, and enhancing state-level implementation. The policy's success hinges on sustained political commitment, increased investments, and integration of digital health technologies. In conclusion, NHP 2017 lays a strong foundation but faces critical implementation challenges in ensuring universal access and quality care​.