In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system the Indian State should play a vital role to contain the adverse impact of marketisation of the system. Suggest some measures through which the State can enhance the reach of public healthcare at the grassroots level. (Answer in 250 words)

Introduction

Health is a public good and a constitutional commitment. Unregulated marketisation can deepen exclusion through high costs, information asymmetry and uneven provider distribution.

State role

• Increase predictable public health spending, prioritising comprehensive primary healthcare and preventive care.
• Strengthen Health and Wellness Centres, sub-centres, district hospitals, referral transport, diagnostics and essential medicines.
• Recruit, train and fairly deploy doctors, nurses, community health officers and ASHAs, with rural incentives and safe working conditions.

Regulation and reach

• Regulate prices and quality of private providers, standardise clinical protocols and enforce patient rights.
• Use strategic purchasing and insurance only to supplement—not hollow out—public capacity; ensure portability and cashless protection.
• Invest in telemedicine with assisted access, local health data, nutrition, sanitation and women’s health; strengthen community monitoring and accountability.

Keywords: primary healthcare, universal health coverage, public good, ASHA, essential medicines, strategic purchasing.