The Health Ministry released the “Health Dynamics of India (Infrastructure and Human Resources) 2022-23” report, previously called Rural Health Statistics.
Key findings of the report:
- District hospitals and medical colleges: India has 714 district hospitals and 362 medical colleges.
- Rise in rural health facilities: From 2005 to 2023, health facilities in rural areas have increased significantly. There are now around 32,000 Primary Health Centers (PHCs), with 25,000 located in rural areas.
- Shortage of doctors: The number of doctors in PHCs increased from 20,000 in 2005 to 32,000 in 2023, but vacancies have nearly doubled during the same period.
- Infrastructure gap in rural areas: Many Sub-Centres (SCs) in states like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh are operating from rented buildings.
- Urban healthcare disparity: There is a 36% shortfall of Urban Primary Health Centers (U-PHCs) in urban areas according to population norms, although states like Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, and Delhi have an excess of U-PHCs.
- Infrastructure issues in urban areas: Similar to rural areas, many U-PHCs operate from rented buildings in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
About India’s Public Healthcare System:
- India operates a three-tiered public healthcare system, focusing on primary, secondary, and tertiary care.
- Healthcare is a state subject, meaning that state governments are primarily responsible for improving public healthcare services.
- The doctor-to-population ratio in India stands at 1:834, including both allopathy and AYUSH practitioners.
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Frequently Asked Question:
How many district hospitals and medical colleges are there in India?
India has 714 district hospitals and 362 medical colleges.
What is the shortage of Urban Primary Health Centers (U-PHCs) in urban areas?
There is a 36% shortfall of U-PHCs in urban areas according to population norms.
What is the doctor-to-population ratio in India?
India’s doctor-to-population ratio is 1:834, including both allopathy and AYUSH practitioners.
What are Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in India?
PHCs are the cornerstone of rural healthcare, providing primary medical services to the population.