Current Health Infrastructure Demands
New Delhi: The Indian health infrastructure will require Rs 1,62,500 crore of capital investment to offer accessible and affordable healthcare facilities during the 12th Plan period.
Infrastructure and Investment Needs
By the end of 2017, India needs to increase the number of hospital beds from 1.3 beds per 1,000 population to 1.7 beds per 1,000 people. This implies a need for at least 650,000 additional beds, which necessitates almost doubling the current infrastructure and investment to bolster the sector. The public sector hospitals require approximately 130,000 more beds, while the private sector needs to add 520,000 beds and invest Rs 1,30,000 crore over the next four years.
Financial Requirements
Raising the required Rs 1,30,000 crore will necessitate an equity investment of Rs 39,000 crore and Rs 91,000 crore in long-term debt funding from private healthcare providers.
Collaboration Between Public and Private Sectors
Achieving such a large-scale creation necessitates a robust partnership between the public and private sectors. A new healthcare infrastructure can be established by the Government through a healthcare infrastructure fund with an initial investment of Rs 15,000 crore. Additionally, the Government could introduce REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) facilities in the health sector. Establishing a nodal agency for the health sector to accelerate growth and construction of healthcare infrastructure can also be considered.
Public-Private Partnership
The public and private sectors should strengthen their partnership in creating healthcare infrastructure. Enhancing financial access for every citizen will be beneficial for the country. This collaborative approach will ensure that healthcare becomes more accessible and affordable.