Abstract
India’s Vision for 2047 aims to transform the nation into a developed country, with healthcare being pivotal for this progress. Achieving universal health coverage and modernising healthcare infrastructure are essential for fostering a healthy productive population, which in turn drives economic growth and reduces poverty. Central to this vision is the concept of health and nutrition security, ensuring inclusive protection against health threats across diverse strata of populations. The proposed National Public Health & Nutrition Security Index (NPHNSI) will be a strategic tool to monitor the progress, evaluate its performance and enhance India's readiness for public health equity and emergencies like COVID-19. By integrating key indicators, such as healthcare infrastructure, workforce availability, and emergency preparedness, the NPHNSI will facilitate targeted improvements and investments. This approach supports the broader goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 by creating a robust health system that aligns with sustainable development goals and strengthens India's global standing. The NPHNSI will also address challenges in health protection, bridge gaps in coverage, and enhance the healthcare workforce, ultimately contributing to a developed and equitable healthcare system by 2047.
Background
The healthcare industry in India, valued at $372 billion, is a major employer with around 7.5 million workers (Government of India, 2023). The COVID-19 pandemic exposed gaps such as insufficient testing, weak surveillance, and inadequate care (Kumar, 2020). Low government health expenditure has led to high out-of-pocket costs, particularly through private providers. In rural Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and urban Delhi, healthcare expenses consume a significant portion of household budgets—7.7 per cent in rural and 5.7 per cent in urban areas, often exceeding 10 per cent of total expenditure. According to the Global Health Security Index 2021, India’s healthcare system faces significant challenges, including inadequate capacity in health clinics, hospitals, and community care centres, with an average score of 46.1 out of 100. The country lacks comprehensive plans for distributing medical countermeasures like vaccines during emergencies (Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, 2023). By 2050, India's population is projected to rise by 18 per cent to 1.7 billion, intensifying pressure on the healthcare system.
India's vision for 2047 is centred on transforming the nation into a developed country by its 100th year of independence, with the healthcare sector playing a pivotal role. Ensuring universal health coverage and modern healthcare infrastructure is critical for achieving a healthy and productive population, essential for driving economic growth and reducing poverty and inequality (Watkins et al., 2017). Quality healthcare improves the quality of life, promotes social stability, and fosters technological advancements (Kane, 2001, Custodio et al., 2009). Additionally, the healthcare sector aligns with sustainable development goals and enhances India’s global standing. There is an urgent need to make healthcare systems streamlined across all the parameters. By investing in healthcare infrastructure, services, and innovations, India can create a robust system that supports its broader developmental aspirations.
This paper advocates the mainstreaming of the term ‘health and nutrition security’. Being a fluid concept, it may be presented as an inclusive approach that seeks to ensure that all populations, regardless of geographic, economic, or social conditions, have protection against health threats. This concept is particularly pertinent to India due to its vast and diverse population, significant disparities in healthcare access, and susceptibility to various health emergencies. Health Security aims for inclusive health protection, promoting health equity and addressing a broad range of health threats, including infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, and the social determinants of health (Saraswathy, 2021; Brown et al., 2022).
India’s Vision for 2047 and health and nutrition security are two sides of the same coin. Achieving health security for all will give a strong impetus to the vision of a Viksit Bharat and a Viksit Bharat will sustain health security for all, indefinitely. To realise this vision, the development and implementation of a National Public Health & Nutrition Security Index (NPHNSI) is a strategic and practical approach. It will serve as a comprehensive tool to evaluate and monitor the country’s readiness and capacity to manage public health emergencies and ensure health equity across diverse populations.
By systematically assessing and enhancing the country’s health and nutrition security framework, the NPHNSI helps ensure better preparedness, monitor the progress and evaluate response to health emergencies. This not only protects the health and well-being of the population but also aligns with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Implementing NPHNSI-driven policies and programs can create a robust health system that supports India's developmental aspirations, fostering a prosperous and equitable nation. The National Public Health & Nutrition Security Index (NPHNSI) will play a crucial role in evaluating the scope and impact of these reforms. The NPHNSI will offer a comprehensive framework to assess and monitor the health system's performance, resilience, and equity, guiding future reforms. Since, implementation of health is a subject under states consideration as the constitution, NPHNSI will also measure governance structures, policy implementation, and leadership in healthcare across states and provide insights into how effectively reforms suggested at Centre are being carried out.
The NPHNSI will not just evaluate workforce availability, distribution, and competency, ensuring schemes like Ayushman Bharat but also monitor health information systems, medical products, technologies, and healthcare financing for sufficiency and efficiency. This approach will identify areas needing attention, supporting continuous improvement toward health equity and Vision 2047 goals. By integrating these dimensions, the NPHNSI will provide a clear picture of health system performance and reform effectiveness. Guided by NPHNSI insights, effective planning and risk management will balance outcomes and prevent social issues, ensuring reforms are equitable and aligned with India's development goals.
Literature Review for National Public Health & Nutrition Security Index (NPHNSI) Development
The reviewed documents highlight the importance of a multidimensional approach to developing the NPHNSI. Key aspects include governance, health system capacity, workforce, information systems, and financing. The combination of qualitative and quantitative measures provides a comprehensive assessment framework (See Table 1). Additionally, insights from the global health security index GHSI evaluation stress the need for robust and context-specific indicators to predict and respond to health threats effectively (Ravi et al., 2020).
Table 1: Indicators used for Various Studies for Performance Measurement Health System and Security
Framework for the National Public Health & Nutrition Security Index (NPHNSI)
The National Public Health & Nutrition Security Index (NPHNSI) is proposed as a strategic initiative to enhance public health security in India, aligning with the "Pathway to Viksit Bharat 2047" vision. This comprehensive index will evaluate the country's public health system through a blend of quantitative and qualitative analyses, focusing on key health dimensions such as nutrition, physical and mental health, and public health infrastructure. The NPHNSI framework will also integrate key insights from recent global food security reports such as UNICEF’s State of Food Security and Nutrition Report. Tackling global hunger and food insecurity, along with understanding the effects of urbanisation on agrifood systems, is crucial. Utilising technological advancements and adopting comprehensive governance strategies across various sectors will significantly improve the framework's impact.
Benefits of NPHNSI
The NPHNSI aims to enhance emergency preparedness, identify risks, and improve response systems, supporting citizen well-being and aligning with India's 2047 vision. It will establish standardised criteria for uniformity across regions and enhance coordination among healthcare agencies and government bodies.
The National Public Health & Nutrition Security Index (NPHNSI) will offer several benefits:
● Enhanced Emergency Preparedness: It will address a wide range of health emergencies, including infectious disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and environmental hazards.
● Risk Identification: It will highlight areas at increased risk due to diverse geographical and climatic conditions, and high population density.
● Effective Response Systems: It will improve disease surveillance and robust response systems, crucial in light of recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic.
● Citizen Well-being: It will ensure a strong healthcare system, essential for the well-being of citizens.
● Support for National Vision: It will support the foundation for economic growth, innovation, quality education, smart city development, environmental sustainability, governance reforms, and cultural preservation as part of the 2047 vision.
● Targeted Interventions: It will identify gaps in public health infrastructure and emergency response capabilities, enabling targeted improvements.
● Standardisation and Comparability: It will establish standardised criteria and indicators to ensure uniformity and comparability across different regions, enhancing overall preparedness.
● Improved Coordination: It will enhance coordination among healthcare agencies and government bodies, strengthening public health infrastructure and emergency response systems.
Approach to NPHNSI
The NPHNSI will involve meticulous data collection, index calculation, real-time monitoring, and capacity building. National surveys and data from organisations like WHO and UNICEF will ensure accuracy. A real-time monitoring dashboard will track progress and inform policy recommendations. Training programs for healthcare workers and strengthening infrastructure will build capacity and resilience.
The NPHNSI represents a strategic approach to enhancing public health security in India. By integrating quantitative and qualitative analyses with global insights, and focusing on capacity building and real-time monitoring, the NPHNSI will play a crucial role in achieving a healthier, more secure future for India.
Quantitative Analysis
The NPHNSI will measure critical health indicators, including child malnutrition (stunting, wasting, and underweight), infant and young child feeding practices (exclusive breastfeeding and introduction of solid foods), maternal nutrition (anaemia and low birthweight), micronutrient supplementation (vitamin A and iodized salt), and WASH (improved drinking water and sanitation). These metrics will provide a robust foundation for assessing and improving public health security.
Qualitative Analysis
Qualitative analysis will involve stakeholder consultations, case studies, and policy analysis. Engaging public health experts, government officials, and community leaders will validate the selected indicators. In-depth case studies will highlight contextual factors affecting health security, while policy reviews will assess the effectiveness of existing health programs.
Possible indicators for NPHNSI to Begin with
Definition of indicators for NPHNSI is a continuous process as different levels of progress achieved in different states. To begin the process, the Table 2 outlines key indicators for the National Public Health & Nutrition Security Index, focusing on healthcare infrastructure, preparedness, and public health responsiveness at initial stages. These indicators provide a framework for measuring critical aspects of health security at present. These indicators are not exhaustive and will be continuously updated throughout the index's development to address emerging needs and evolving circumstances.
Table 2: Suggested Indicators for NPHNSI first Phase
Implementation Challenges and Needed Reforms
Implementing a National Public Health & Nutrition Security Index in India requires a comprehensive approach that addresses various structural, policy, and operational aspects. By implementing following reforms, India can establish a robust National Public Health & Nutrition Security Index that accurately reflects the health and nutrition status of its population and guides effective policy interventions:
1. Policy and Legislative Reforms
• National Policy Framework: Presently health policy does not include does conjoined with national agriculture, nutrition and education policy. There is a need to develop a cohesive national policy that outlines the goals, objectives, and mechanisms for public health and nutrition security.
• Legislative Support: As per the constitution of India public health service delivery is the responsibility of State Government but on the other hand family planning, medical education and food safety and nutrition are the prerogative of centre government. Therefore, there is need to enact legislation to support the establishment and operation of the index, ensuring it has a robust legal foundation.
2. Institutional Reforms
• Central Coordinating Body: A central coordinating body (preferably third party) is needed to oversee the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the index.
• Inter-Ministerial Coordination: Strengthen coordination between ministries such as Health, Women and Child Development, Agriculture, and Education for integrated efforts.
3. Data Collection and Management
• Unified Data System: Developing a unified data collection system that integrates health and nutrition data from various sources.
• Standardized Metrics: Defining and standardizing the metrics and indicators used to measure health and nutrition security.
4. Capacity Building
• Training Programs: Implementing training programs for healthcare workers, nutritionists, and data analysts to effectively collect and interpret data.
• Public Awareness: Conducting awareness campaigns to educate the public about the importance of health and nutrition security.
5. Technological Integration
• Digital Platforms: Developing and deploying digital platforms for real-time data collection, monitoring, and analysis.
• Geospatial Mapping: Utilizing geospatial technologies to map and monitor health and nutrition status across different regions.
6. Funding and Resource Allocation
• Budget Allocation: Ensuring adequate funding for the establishment and maintenance of the index.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging partnerships with private entities, NGOs, and international organisations for resource mobilisation.
7. Monitoring and Evaluation
• Regular Assessments: Conducting regular assessments and audits of the data and methodologies used.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Implementing feedback mechanisms to incorporate inputs from stakeholders and improve the index over time.
8. Equity and Inclusion
• Targeted Interventions: Designing targeted interventions for vulnerable and marginalised communities to ensure equitable health and nutrition security.
• Inclusive Policies: Ensuring that policies and programs are inclusive and address the needs of all demographics, including women, children, and the elderly.
9. Community Engagement & Awards
• Grassroots Involvement: Engaging local communities and grassroots organizations in data collection, validation and awareness campaigns.
• Empowerment Programs: Empowering communities through education and capacity-building initiatives.
• Rewards and Documentation of Best Practices: Reward best performer to motivate and document the lessons learnt in the form of best practices. These documents needs to be shared and tested for up-scaling.
10. Research and Innovation
• Research Initiatives: Promoting research in public health and nutrition sector to develop innovative solutions based on data collected.
• Innovation Hubs: Establishing innovation hubs to foster the development of new technologies and methodologies.
Conclusion
In envisioning Viksit Bharat by 2047, the integration of a National Public Health & Nutrition Security Index (NPHNSI) represents a transformative step towards realising a developed and equitable India. By systematically assessing and enhancing healthcare infrastructure, workforce capacity, and emergency preparedness, the NPHNSI not only addresses current health security gaps but also aligns seamlessly with the broader developmental aspirations of the nation. To future-proof India’s healthcare, we must embrace innovative solutions alongside traditional approaches. Leveraging artificial intelligence for predictive analytics, fostering public-private partnerships for rapid infrastructure scaling, and implementing blockchain technology for transparent health data management can revolutionise how we address both preventive and curative care. Moreover, integrating telemedicine and digital health tools can bridge the urban-rural divide, ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services. Ultimately, a robust and forward-thinking NPHNSI, combined with strategic innovations and unwavering commitment to health equity, will pave the way for a healthier, more resilient India. This alignment of health security with national development goals is not just a vision but a practical pathway to achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047.
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With the deepening of democracy, increased decentralisation, increasing social and political awareness, digital penetration, shifts in demography, demand for quality services by common citizens has been accelerating at a faster pace. In such a scenario, the role of State is critical for promoting equity in access to services.
"Accelerating India's Development" holistically looks at India’s growth trajectory since gaining independence – it rounds up all where it has done well including unity, upholding the integrity of its constitution, retaining democratic values at its core. It also does not mince words to convey where all the nation has faltered such as falling short in delivery of public services including…
Income and Employment Intensive Growth Agenda for India: The paper examines income and employment status in the Indian labour force to identify policy attention and follow up. The macroeconomic policies taken during last one decade are yielding positive results leading to expansion of manufacturing and services and structural transformation in the economy.
An Analysis of India's Social Welfare Programs: In a democracy, the state's role is to promote societal welfare. According to Aristotle, the state should not only ensure its survival but also improve the quality of life for its citizens. The state has a moral responsibility to its citizens. Modern views agree that the state should provide essential services like education,…
Digital Innovations in Social Protection: Trends, Challenges, and Solutions: The integration of digital technologies into social protection systems represents a transformative shift with profound implications for the delivery of welfare services. This chapter explores the evolving landscape of digital innovations in social protection, contextualising these developments within the broader framework of universal social protection and a systemic approach to welfare.
One of the most crucial aspects of our society is law enforcement, which deals with issues of law and order nationwide. It is an essential component of the state's legal system. The British government introduced a Police Act in 1861, which is still very relevant and based on policing.
Several challenges linger in the Indian education system, like rote learning, the non-existence of practical skills among students, and disparities in access to quality education. To deal with the criticism for excessive curriculum and unreasonable focus on rote learning, this chapter examines the strategies comprising the building blocks to reform Indian schools.
Social development is expected to promote holistic improvement of individuals, institutions and their surrounding environments. Looking at the pace of development in India, the economy of most states requires strategic prioritization to accelerate improved well-being of the people. Accessibility to health, school education and public security are critical to the edifice of social development.
India is the largest democracy in the world inhabited by about 1.36 billion people over an area of 3287 thousand square kilometers according to an estimate for 2021 based on Census 2011. The Indian economy is characterised as a middle-income emerging market economy. In the last three decades the economy has faced three major crises, i.e., balance of payment crisis…
Neoliberal policies pursued by India since 1990s have created a space for private enterprises hitherto occupied by the state entities, unshackled the existing enterprises and introduced reforms to facilitate private initiative. This chapter looks into the ecosystem of the private sector in general and the developments in three specific sectors- urban mobility, water supply and housing, to draw lessons for…
This Chapter highlights the gradual transformation from Personnel Administration to Strategic Human Resource Management over the years in Government of India. However, there is still a long way to go. In this Chapter an attempt has been made to delineate the criticality to move towards Strategic HRM in Government of India to achieve India’s developmental goals.
Robust statistical data forms the cornerstone of an informed governance system. This paper studies the statistical system and data dissemination in the Centre and State governments in India, and the measures put in action to accelerate the data dissemination process. Arguing that the availability of high-frequency statistical data is a necessary condition for good governance, the first section of the…
In the Amrit Kaal (golden period) of independent India, the ‘citizen first’ approach guides public governance by deepening the outreach of service delivery mechanism so that international standards could be achieved in India@100. The goal can only be achieved by all inclusive governance involving stronger and effective local self-governments both panchayats and municipalities.
In modern societies, with the increasing role of the state in social and economic fields, emphasis on the quality of its governance is of prime concern to all. Indian bureaucratic system of governance is founded on the principle of rule of law, as the state power is divided amongst three chief organs, each has the its own quality under a…
This paper discusses the concept of good governance and its relations with the electoral politics in Indian context. It highlights the various strategies employed by the government and related agencies for the growth and development of the country. Major reforms pertaining to the country’s infrastructure, IT, administration, economy and public services are a few areas that have been explored in…
With the Indian government’s vision to transform India into a developed nation by 2047, marking hundred years of independence, it has become of highest importance to learn from the past, tenaciously work in the present and step towards the future with complete efficiency. In its 77 years of becoming a democracy, India has soared high with continuous transformations marked by both…
The vision of Viksit Bharat can be realised through Viksit States, and that the aspiration of Viksit Bharat should reach the grassroot level i.e. to each district, block, and village. For this, each State and District should create a vision for 2047 so as to realise Viksit Bharat @ 2047.