Himachal Pradesh – a hilly state of India on path of – Universal health coverage

Abstract

Himachal Pradesh (HP) is one of the states of India with a population of 6,864,602 and density of 123/km2. In the first healthy states, progressive India report on the ranks of states and union territories, HP scores overall 5th rank in health index based on reference year 2015-2016. Similarly, in first of its kind, “Health of nation states” report published recently revealed disease burden status of respective states and HP falls under highest epidemiological transition levels with epidemiological ratio of <0.31 in 2016 which was 1.14 in 1990. Particularly, the leading causes of disability-adjusted life years were reported as ischemic heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for HP. These above-stated factual indicators reflect on high expenditure being incurred by an average resident of state suffering from any form of noncommunicable diseases while assessing health-care services. Sustainable development goal 3 and 3.8 of financial risk protection is being addressed through various government-sponsored schemes envisaging National Health Policy-2017 goals. Government of HP had taken major strides for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and extended the similar benefits of Ayushman Bharat scheme to all sections of society with notification of Himachal Health Care scheme on December 29, 2018. Being a hilly state, HP is having its own challenges of inaccessibility and disparities, but its journey and direction on path of UHC is well directed and aptly supported by government policies.

Keywords

• Health policy
• Himachal Pradesh
• universal health coverage