Mr. Ayanabh DebGupta, Co-founder & Jt. Managing Director, Medica Group of Hospitals

“This year’s World Health Day theme ‘Health for all’ is not just a slogan, but a fundamental human right that must be upheld and always defended. On this day, we must reiterate our commitment to ensuring that every person, regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic status, has access to quality healthcare services. Universal healthcare coverage is the key to achieving health for all. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to accessing essential health services. We must work towards building strong and resilient health systems that can deliver quality healthcare services to all people, particularly those in marginalized and underserved communities. Previously, while most developed countries provided health insurance to their citizens, India was the sole exception. Alongside, healthcare in India was limited to India’s most affluent citizens; however, the situation is now changing. As Indians, we have always assumed that the issue is related to healthcare infrastructure, but it is one of accessibility and affordability. So, to make healthcare more affordable, the Government of India devised various schemes and policies in each state that allow the underprivileged to access the health services they require without fear of financial hardship. As a result, people now come to the hospital for free treatment. Currently, Ayushman Bharat, Swasthya Sathi, and other state government schemes in India provide insurance coverage to the poorest 40% of the population.

At Medica, we are committed to partnering with the state and central governments, so as an individual healthcare service provider, we participate in all universal healthcare schemes to help people who cannot afford proper treatment due to high costs, and we will continue to do so in the future. Let us use this World Health Day as an opportunity to renew our commitment to achieving health for all. It is only by working together, across all sectors and at all levels, that we can build a healthier, more equitable, and more resilient world for everyone.”