Digital transformation and policy reforms in India's health sector: Target to increase primary care by 30% by 2025

The health care system in India has undergone several significant changes over the past decade, including digital health initiatives, public‑private partnerships, and the incorporation of new technologies in disease control. The government launched the National Health Security Scheme (NHSS) in 2023, aiming to increase the number of primary health centres in rural areas by 30% by 2025. Additionally, a new funding mechanism was introduced in 2024 to promote research in Ayurvedic science, with expectations of progress in the treatment of cancer and heart diseases. These initiatives aim to improve both the reach and quality of health care.

Between 2022 and 2024, India announced a plan to raise public spending on health from 4.5% of GDP to 5.2%. Under this plan, construction of 12,000 new primary health centres (PHC) began in 2023, doubling the facilities available per 10,000 population in rural areas. Additionally, the National Disease Control Programme conducted extensive screening campaigns for typhoid, dengue and water‑borne diseases, resulting in an 18% reduction in reporting of these diseases in 2024.

To accelerate the implementation of digital health records (EHR), the National Health Information Network (NHIN) was established in 2023. Through this network, 70% of government hospitals had securely stored electronic patient data on the cloud by the end of 2024. Telemedicine services also expanded at the primary level, with 2,500 rural clinics establishing connections with specialist doctors via video consultations in 2024, reducing patient travel costs in remote areas by 35%.

Despite these advances, a shortage of health‑care personnel remains a major challenge. In 2024, the Ministry of Health prioritized the recruitment of 1.2 lakh new nurses and 45,000 doctors, but only 68% of the positions have been filled so far. In rural areas, the availability of specialist physicians remains limited, requiring patients with complex cases to be referred to cities. To bridge this gap, a proposal under public‑private partnership aims to increase mobile health units to 1,200 units by 2025.

Looking ahead, the National Health Policy for 2025‑2030 places greater emphasis on disease prevention and health promotion. The policy document mandates regular health check‑ups in schools and workplaces, prioritizing healthy diet, physical activity and mental‑health awareness. Moreover, to attract private‑sector investment, a plan to raise health‑insurance coverage to 80% in 2025 aims to ensure high‑quality care for economically vulnerable groups as well.

With proper implementation of these strategic measures, the prospects of India’s health system becoming a global leader by 2030 will be clearly established.