We need to strengthen our public health system before another pandemic hits – Act Now
Support Oxfam India urge the government to act on:
- Health for All: Set up a national scheme guaranteeing free medicines and diagnostics to ensure universal access to healthcare at all public health facilities across India. This would upscale work the initiated under the 2014 Union Budget, emphasizing “Health for All” by providing free drugs and diagnostic services.
- Increase in Budget: 70% of India’s population spends most of their income on healthcare resulting in millions of Indians being pushed into poverty every year. The government must substantially increase the health budget and strengthen the public health system to fulfill its commitment to allocate 2.5% of GDP on healthcare by 2025.
- Price regulation: Most of India’s population cannot afford medicines. Government of India spends only 4% on pharmaceuticals as compared to US and Canada about 40-50% and France, U.K. and Germany about 70%. The government must regulate the price of new drugs and drugs for treatment of rare diseases, and regulate the private health sector so they do not overcharge patients.
- Charter of Patients' Rights: Adoption of “Charter of Patients’ Rights” to protect the rights of patients to information, safety and quality of services and provide grievance redress mechanisms in case of violations. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had sought inputs for the same in August 2018 but this is yet to be finalized and implemented.
Challenges
Rising cost of private healthcare
As a result of inadequate public healthcare, Indians turn to better quality private healthcare but at exorbitant costs of treatment paid from their own pockets. Thus, pushing 63 million people into poverty every year. A country in which 92% of women and 83% men earn less that Rs. 10,000 a month, good health comes at an unfair price.
Lack of access to healthcare for the poor
India ranks 145th among 195 countries in terms of quality and accessibility of healthcare, behind its neighbours like China, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan. And in the current context, it is the poorest who are least likely to be able to access this healthcare and treatment.
Low expenditure on public hospitals
The government has been consistently neglecting the public health system. India spends just 1.28% of its GDP on health. There is one government doctor for every 1445 Indians, compared to the WHO’s norm of one doctor for 1000 people.
Overstretched public hospitals
Due to limited funding of government hospitals, the hospitals are overstretched with a shortage of doctors, nurses, beds, ventilators, limited Personal Protective Equipment, testing facilities and other medical equipment.
Your donation will help Oxfam India demand quality public healthcare
Oxfam India works to empower marginalised communities, mobilize people, advocate inclusive policies and provide life-saving relief during emergencies and disasters. Medical expenses pushes 7% Indians below poverty line every year, and denies care to many who are already living in poverty.
The private sector accounts for 70% of the healthcare in India, yet it has played only a peripheral role in tackling COVID-19 pandemic, while the government hospitals have been at the forefront. The Coronavirus crisis has made us realise the need for good quality public healthcare and the importance for everyone to stay healthy.
We appeal to each one of you to support us and demand our right to quality and free healthcare. So we are better prepared, if another pandemic hits.
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Donor Speak
My association with Oxfam India started 9-10 years ago. I find Oxfam's work genuine that shows results in empowering women and children. My contribution to Oxfam is truly helping in creating an impact.
Anup Mukherjee
For the past decade, I have dedicatedly supported Oxfam. I believe in Oxfam's work. Their work on the ground has helped many children receive an education. They work for the most vulnerable people and i will continue to support them to help people in need.
Anita Bakshi
I have been supporting Oxfam for the past 12 years. I'm proud to be associated with an organisation that is committed towards education, women rights and poverty elleviation. I hope to motivate others to join Oxfam India.
Meera Dutt
My association with Oxfam India started 9-10 years ago. I find Oxfam's work genuine that shows results in empowering women and children. My contribution to Oxfam is truly helping in creating an impact.
Anup Mukherjee
For the past decade, I have dedicatedly supported Oxfam. I believe in Oxfam's work. Their work on the ground has helped many children receive an education. They work for the most vulnerable people and i will continue to support them to help people in need.
Anita Bakshi
I have been supporting Oxfam for the past 12 years. I'm proud to be associated with an organisation that is committed towards education, women rights and poverty elleviation. I hope to motivate others to join Oxfam India.
Meera Dutt
My association with Oxfam India started 9-10 years ago. I find Oxfam's work genuine that shows results in empowering women and children. My contribution to Oxfam is truly helping in creating an impact.
Anup Mukherjee
Oxfam India is a registered Non-profit under Section 8 of the Indian Companies Act, 2013
Tax Exemption Number: DIT(E)/12A/2007-08/O/1764