Health Policies in India

Abstract

The health sector must play a paramount role in development policy, a priority clearly documented in the Millennium Development Goals. This article summarises health policies in India. Overall, these are characterised by an increasing role of the private sector, often at the expense of services to less powerful sections of the population and the neglect of crucial and populous regions. The core stakeholders in the health sector in India, at both national and state level, are described. These include the national- and state-level ministries and their line agencies at the sub-state and local levels, also private stakeholders, including pharmaceutical industry. The article also provides a selection of voices critical of the policy reforms, and the most crucial arguments are put forward. The article concludes by briefly sketching some potential areas for further research.