The year 2024 brought significant changes and challenges to Indian healthcare. From innovative technologies to policy changes, here’s a look at the major highlights that shaped the healthcare landscape this year.
1. Ayushman Bharat Expansion & U-WIN Portal
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) was expanded to include individuals aged 70 and above, adding 6 crore senior citizens to its coverage. The introduction of Ayushman Vay Vandana Cards recorded 25 lakh enrollments.
Additionally, the nationwide rollout of the U-WIN Portal replicated the success of Co-WIN by digitizing vaccination records for pregnant women and children, ensuring better healthcare tracking under the Universal Immunization Programme.
2. Security for Doctors
The tragic RG Kar Medical College rape-murder case in West Bengal highlighted the need for improved doctor security. This led to nationwide demands for a central law to address violence against healthcare professionals and improve working conditions.
3. Change in Leadership
After the elections, JP Nadda replaced Mansukh Mandaviya as the Union Health Minister, marking a significant change in leadership. Nadda previously served as the health minister during 2014-2019.
4. National Medical Commission (NMC) Controversies
The NMC faced backlash for guidelines related to the NEET-PG entrance exam and MBBS curriculum. Controversial topics like sodomy and lesbianism were initially reintroduced but later removed after criticism.
5. NEET Exam Delays
A paper leak in NEET-UG led to the postponement of the NEET-PG exam as a precaution. This delayed counseling and caused significant stress for medical students.
6. Resident Doctor Work Hours
In response to the RG Kar incident, the NMC recommended reducing resident doctors’ work hours to 74 hours per week, ensuring proper rest, nutritious meals, and better working conditions.
7. Shorter TB Treatment Regimen
A new shorter TB treatment regimen was introduced under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), reducing treatment duration from 9-12 months to 6 months. The 100-Day TB Elimination Campaign targeted 347 high-risk districts to enhance detection and treatment.
8. Emergency Care with BHISHM Cubes
Portable BHISHM Cubes were deployed in 25 AIIMS to provide rapid emergency care during disasters. India also gifted four cubes to Ukraine, showcasing its commitment to global health.
9. Drone and Helicopter Services
Drone technology was introduced at 11 AIIMS, including Rishikesh, Bhopal, and Jodhpur, to deliver medical supplies to hard-to-reach areas. AIIMS Rishikesh also launched a helicopter emergency medical service for faster medical care.
10. One Nation-One Medical Register
A centralized National Medical Register for MBBS doctors and a portal for allied healthcare professionals were launched, improving transparency and access to healthcare professionals’ data.
11. Relief from CDSCO
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) waived clinical trials for drugs approved in countries like the US, UK, and Japan, streamlining the approval process for orphan drugs, pandemic treatments, and other advanced therapies.
12. Tackling LGBTQ+ Curriculum Issues
The NMC revised controversial curriculum topics like sodomy and lesbianism, removing them after public and stakeholder backlash, promoting inclusivity and modern medical education.
13. Focus on Tuberculosis Elimination
India strengthened its fight against tuberculosis with new strategies, campaigns, and shorter treatment regimens, aiming to eliminate TB and improve patient outcomes across the country.
Conclusion
The healthcare sector in India saw a mix of progress and challenges in 2024. From Ayushman Bharat expansion to addressing controversies around NEET exams, the year highlighted the need for innovation, inclusivity, and better working conditions for healthcare professionals. As India moves forward, these developments lay the groundwork for a more robust and equitable healthcare system.
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