Budget 2021-22 wishlist: Here are the key challenges in health care sector

Key challenges

• Postponement of electives Patients have been delaying elective surgeries on  fear of catching infection
• Stress on infra Govt had to reserve beds in hospitals for Covid treatment and create significant temporary capacity  
• Drop in medical travel: Ban on international travel prevented foreigners coming to India to avail treatment 
• Returns lower than cost of capital:  Many providers earn return in single digits
• Lack of skilled human resource It impedes health care delivery 
• Imports of medical devices and equipment: Close to 75% of medical devices are imported leading to forex loss
• Continuing low reimbursement rates under PMJAY It’s unattractive for private sector to participate in the programme