Jan Swasthya Abhiyan releases People’s Health Manifesto ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha election

“India’s public spending on health is among the lowest in the world. Per capita government spending is USD 21 in India, while Thailand spends USD 207 (ten times), China spends USD 302 (14 times) and Sri Lanka spends USD 76 (3.5 times). After the Covid-19 experience, it was expected that the government would prioritise health and increase spending in the sector. However, it is unfortunate that the Union Government has reduced spending on health from 0.37 per cent in 2020-21 to 0.29 per cent in 2024-25,” JSA’s national co-convenor Dr Abhay Shukla said

Speaking on the launch of the Health Manifesto, Richa Chintan, national co-convener of the JSA said, “We urge political parties and policymakers to prioritise these recommendations to ensure the right to health for every individual.”

India also fares badly in terms of out-of-pocket expenditure, the JSA said. Patients and families spend more than 50 per cent of the total expenditure on health. In this context, the JSA’s manifesto makes concrete policy proposals that will improve access to free and quality healthcare for all.

Ravi Duggal, public health researcher and activist said, “A public-centred system for universal healthcare is the cornerstone of a just society. We envision a future where healthcare is a common system that provides for the health needs of all residents of India, irrespective of their socio-economic status.”

Among the prominent features of the manifesto are:

• Right to Healthcare Legislation
• Increase Budgetary Allocation for Health
• Major Reduction of Out-of-Pocket Spending
• Justice to Health Workers
• Devolution of Administrative and Financial Powers
• Immediate reversal of rebranding Health and Wellness Centres as Arogya Mandirs
• Availability of Essential Drugs and Diagnostics
• Government’s Responsibility in Healthcare, reverse privatisation
• Regulation of Private Healthcare Sector