Lok Sabha Question No. 1998 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-29
Subject: National Health Policy
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: HEMAMALINI

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1998 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29 th DECEMBER, 2017

## NATIONAL HEALTH POLI CY

## 1998. SHRIMATI HEMA MALINI:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has given clearance to the National Health Policy, 2017;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the salient features of the said policy;
- (c) whether the Government has taken any steps to increase public health expenditure to 2.5 percent of the GDP as promised under the National Health Policy, 2017;
- (d) whether the Government proposes to enact any legislation under which prescribing generic drugs is likely to be made mandatory for the doctors; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL )

- (a): The Government has approved and brought out National Health Policy 2017 which is available at https://mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/9147562941489753121.pdf
- (b): The salient features of the National Health Policy, 2017 is given at Annexure.
- (c): The National Health P olicy 2017 envisages increasing public expenditure on health to 2.5% of GDP in a time bound manner by 2025. The Budget outlay (Gross) for Ministry of Health  and  Family  Welfare  during  2017 - 18  (BE)  is  an  increase  of  approximately  24%  in comparison to the fin ancial year 2016 - 17 (BE).
- (d) & (e): No. However, Clause 1.5 (Use of Generic names of drugs) of  Indian Medical Council  (Professional  Conduct,  Etiquette  and  Ethics)  Regulations,  2002  prescribes  'Every physician should prescribe drugs with generic names legibly and preferably in capital letters and he/she shall ensure that there is a rational prescription and use of drugs'.

## The salient features of National Health Policy, 2017

-  The primary aim of the National Health Policy, 2017, is to inform, clarify, strength prioritize  the  role  of  the  Government  in  shaping  health  systems  in  all  its  dimen -investments  in  health,  organization  of  healthcare  services,  prevention  of  dise ases  and promotion of good health through cross sectoral actions, access to technologies, deve human  resources,  encouraging  medical  pluralism,  building  knowledge  base,  developin better financial protection strategies, strengthening regulation and he alth assur ce.
-  The policy envisages as its goal the attainment of the highest possible level of he well - being for all at all ages, through a preventive and promotive health care orient all developmental policies, and universal access to g ood quality health care services without anyone having to face financial hardship as a consequence. This would be achieved thr increasing access, improving quality and lowering the cost of healthcare delivery.
-  The policy recognizes the pivotal import ance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). An indicative list of time bound quantitative goals aligned to ongoing national eff well as the global strategic directions is as under :
-  Reduce Under Five Mortality to 23 by 2025 and MMR from current le vels to 100 by 2020.
-  Reduce infant mortality rate to 28 by 2019.
-  Reduce neo - natal mortality to 16 by 2025.
-  Achieve global target of 2020 which is also termed as target of 90:90:90, for HIV/ i.  e, - 90%  of  all  people  living  with  HIV  know  their  HIV  st atus, - 90%  of  all  people diagnosed  with  HIV  infection  receive  sustained  antiretroviral  therapy  and  90%  of people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression.
-  Achieve  and  maintain  elimination  status  of  Leprosy  by  2018,  Kala - Azar  by  20 17  and Lymphatic Filariasis in endemic pockets by 2017.
-  Increase health expenditure by Government as a percentage of GDP from the existi 1.15% to 2.5 % by 2025.
-  Patient Centric Approach - Policy recommends the setting up of a separate, empowered medical  tribunal  for  speedy  resolution  to  address  disputes  /complaints  regar standards of care, prices of services, negligence and unfair practices. Standard Regulatory framework for laboratories and imaging centers, specialized emerging services, etc

Contd…page 2..

-  Micronutrient Deficiency -Focus on reducing micronutrient malnourishment systematic approach to address heterogeneity in micronutrient adequac y across regions.

and

-  Quality  of  Care - Public  hospitals  and  facilities  would  undergo  periodic  measurements and  certification  of  level  of  quality.  Focus  on  Standard  Regulatory  Framework eliminate risks of inappropriate care by maintaining adequate standards of diagnosis and treatment.
-  Application of Digital Health -Policy advocates extensive deployment of digital tools for improving the efficiency and outcome of the healthcare system and aims at an integr health  information  system  which  serves  the  needs of  all  stake - holders  and  improves efficiency, transparency, and citizen experience.
-  Private  Sector  engagement  for  strategic  purchase  for  critical  gap  filling  a achievement of health goals.

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