The alarm bells are ringing, and India must listen. There is a strong correlation between access to healthcare and inequality. While the rich can afford expensive treatment without burning a hole in their pocket, thanks to their insurance policies, the lower income families and the poor are deprived of such privilege.

According World Health Organisation’s (WHO) estimates about half of the world lacks essential health services. Because of the expensive nature of treatment and healthcare, nearly 930 million people around the world spend over 10% of their household income on medicines. In some countries, nearly 25% of the entire population is vulnerable to falling into this abyss. It does not merely impact the households but also the overall economy of the country.

The government of India has been doing its bit by expanding the net for the poor under the Universal Heath Coverage (UHC) programme. Last year, an ambitious health plan was introduced offering health coverage to over 500 million people. But that’s not enough. The efforts have to be backed up by funding, and a robust health budget, which is missing. The government has also failed to build adequate healthcare centres and hospitals in rural and remote areas.

India needs to take a leaf out of its neighbours’ book, boost its spending on healthcare, and build a system that offers UHC in real terms.