Leveraging Corporate Social Responsibility to Improve Healthcare Infrastructure and Accessibility in India: Opportunities and Benefits

Are you ready to read an eye-opening opinion piece from the perspective of Prodipto Deb , Who works as an Associate Consultant for the Impact Advisory Team at CSRBOX ?

Healthcare Sector in India:

The healthcare sector in India is ailing, and despite the efforts of medical practitioners and caregivers, the progress towards improving it has been limited. Government spending on healthcare is estimated to be about 2.1% of the GDP. In comparison to other developing countries, this is significantly lower. Maternal and infant mortality rate is 2.5% and 1.7%, which is relatively high. Although life expectancy has increased substantially, it is still low compared to other global south countries. Private hospitals provide excellent care but are beyond the reach of most people. Although public hospitals are cost-effective, they suffer from severe overcrowding and inadequate responsiveness.

Healthcare systems have contributed enormously to better health but their contribution could be greater, especially for marginalized people. With its billion-plus population and less than equitable access to healthcare, India has the responsibility to utilize these building blocks to transform its health system, especially in the wake of the pandemic.?

Improvement Areas for Impactful Intervention:?

Having had the privilege of working on various healthcare-related Impact Evaluation Projects and field visits, I have gained valuable insights into the challenges facing the healthcare system in India. It is evident that there are several areas that require urgent improvements, such as overcrowding, inadequate staffing, and insufficient resources, as well as healthcare disparities that impact vulnerable populations in rural areas. In light of this, I strongly believe that policymakers and stakeholders need to prioritize addressing these issues and investing in sustainable solutions to improve the overall health and well-being of the Indian population.?

• Strengthening Local Capacity in Indian District Hospitals - To ensure that district hospitals across India function efficiently and provide quality healthcare services, there is a pressing need for strengthening local capacity. By equipping these hospitals with the necessary resources, training, and technical support, we can ensure that they function efficiently and provide quality healthcare services. Given the numerous challenges facing the Indian healthcare system, such as a shortage of healthcare professionals, inadequate infrastructure, and healthcare disparities, building capacity at the local level is of paramount importance. By investing in capacity-building programs at the district level, we can enhance the functioning of these hospitals and contribute to the overall improvement of the Indian healthcare system.
• Importance of Health Information Systems for Effective Healthcare Governance - Effective governance in healthcare requires the generation and strategic utilization of health system information. A well-functioning health information system is essential to ensuring the production, analysis, dissemination, and utilization of reliable and timely health information by decision-makers at all levels. This information is critical for evidence-based policymaking, monitoring and evaluation of healthcare programs, and identifying areas for improvement. By investing in the development and strengthening of health information systems, we can ensure the effective utilization of data for decision-making and ultimately improve the quality of healthcare services.
• Revisiting Indian Public Health Standards for Better Healthcare Response - The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the need to re-evaluate the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) for district hospitals, sub-district hospitals, community health centers, and primary health centers. These institutions serve as the backbone of the public health system in India, and their standards of service delivery, human resources, equipment, supplies, and infrastructure require immediate attention. The pandemic has exposed the limitations of the current IPHS in addressing public health emergencies and underscores the need for updated standards that account for future pandemics and other emerging health threats. By revisiting and strengthening the IPHS, we can ensure that the public health system in India is better equipped to respond to the needs of the population and safeguard their health and well-being.
• Prioritizing Primary Health Care for Improved Health Outcomes - In India, there is a growing recognition of the importance of primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in providing accessible and humane care closer to home, with a focus on prevention and early detection. Expanding the number of PHCs is crucial to improving population health outcomes and reducing the burden on hospitals and healthcare workers. By investing in primary healthcare infrastructure, resources, and staffing, we can alleviate the pressure on hospitals and improve the overall quality of care provided to the population. This will not only enhance healthcare outcomes but also promote a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system for all.
• India's Healthcare System Struggles with Acute Shortage of Medical Personnel - According to a report by the World Health Organization, India has one of the lowest doctor-to-population ratios in the world, with just 0.7 doctors per 1,000 people. This shortage of doctors is further compounded by a lack of nurses, technicians, and other medical staff, resulting in a significant strain on the Indian healthcare system. The shortage of medical personnel in India has resulted in poor equipment maintenance, limited diagnostic services, and other issues. According to a report by the National Sample Survey Office, only 31% of public health facilities in rural areas have adequate diagnostic equipment. Furthermore, the reluctance of existing medical personnel to work in smaller towns and villages has further compounded the problem, limiting the expansion of better medical facilities across the country and resulting in a skewed distribution of healthcare resources.?
• Overcrowded & Under-Resourced Public Health Facilities in India - Public health facilities in India often suffer from inadequate infrastructure and overcrowding. This results in a significant burden on healthcare professionals and limited access to healthcare for many Indians. The majority of secondary and tertiary care centers in India are in the private sector, which is often unaffordable for most people. As a result, a significant proportion of the population is dependent on government hospitals for their healthcare needs. Government hospitals lack sufficient numbers of doctors, nurses, and other medical staff, leading to further strain on the healthcare system. The overcrowding and under-resourcing of public health facilities are significant barriers to achieving equitable and accessible healthcare in India, and urgent action is needed to address these issues.

The healthcare sector in India faces multiple challenges, and there is a need for a comprehensive approach to address these issues. This involves improving the standards of district hospitals and primary healthcare centers, addressing the shortage of skilled medical personnel, and improving the infrastructure of public health facilities. By taking these steps, India can achieve equitable access to healthcare for all its citizens.

Role of CSR in the Improvement of Indian Public Healthcare Infrastructure:?

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to the long-term commitment of businesses to integrate social and environmental considerations into their business operations. In India, CSR activities are legally mandated under the Companies Act, of 2013, and companies are required to report their CSR initiatives.?

The state of healthcare services in India is a cause for concern, with low levels of annual spending in the sector compared to other countries. While the government has a responsibility to provide healthcare services to the public, companies can also play a role in supporting healthcare through their mandatory CSR spending of 2%.?

Companies have already shown a significant interest in healthcare, with the National CSR portal revealing that in FY 2020-21, companies in India spent around Rs 7321.55 crores on healthcare and wellness. However, much of this spending is directed towards health camps and building hospitals, which have a short-term focus and are not always well-targeted. Therefore, there is a need for companies to broaden their focus beyond short-term initiatives and explore innovative ways to support healthcare in India.

Given the above issues, companies need to find more ways to engage in CSR activities around healthcare. Following are a few themes where companies could refine their focus and their attention:?

• Enhancing Primary Care - Rather than focusing on tertiary care, the healthcare system should focus on strengthening primary care. Local youth could be trained to provide basic treatments and advice to residents. Pharmacies could be trained to provide medicines for common ailments and perform basic diagnostics like blood pressure, pulse, and sugar testing. These measures would ensure that people receive affordable and efficient healthcare services.
• Attracting Doctors to Rural Areas - Companies could play a significant role in addressing the shortage of doctors in rural areas. By providing incentives to doctors to work in remote areas, companies could improve access to healthcare in underserved areas where it is most needed.
• Increasing the Number of Doctors - India currently faces a shortage of doctors, particularly well-trained ones. To address this issue, companies could subsidize the education of bright young students pursuing a career in medicine. Additionally, companies could collaborate with existing medical colleges to expand facilities, enhance teaching methodologies, and provide access to medical literature to help produce more skilled doctors.
• Supporting Non-Mainstream Illnesses - The healthcare system tends to prioritize illnesses that affect the physical body, but there is also a significant need to focus on mental health, autism, and other such conditions. Companies could play a critical role in supporting the development of treatments and services for these non-mainstream illnesses.

Corporate Involvement in Improving Healthcare in India:

The role of corporations is critical, as it strongly influences the service delivery of a health system. There is much that businesses can do to help Indians lead longer and more fulfilling lives. The money and intent are both present and only the right channels need to be tapped. With the involvement of corporations, there is an opportunity for public-private partnerships to improve healthcare infrastructure, and increase accessibility, and affordability of healthcare for the masses.

Companies can contribute to the healthcare sector by partnering with public health systems to build and upgrade healthcare facilities in rural areas. They can also invest in telemedicine and other technology-driven interventions to expand access to healthcare services, particularly for those who are geographically isolated. Corporate involvement can also help in training and hiring more healthcare professionals, which is critical to addressing the shortage of healthcare personnel in the country. Additionally, companies can support research and development efforts in healthcare to develop innovative treatments and preventive measures for diseases.

In conclusion, the CSR mandate in India has opened up avenues for corporate involvement in the healthcare sector, which has brought about numerous benefits for citizens, particularly those in rural areas. With the right channels and partnerships, corporations can significantly contribute to the improvement of the healthcare system in India, leading to better health outcomes for all.

Ready to Get to Know the Author??

Prodipto Deb , an associate consultant for the impact advisory team at CSRBOX, brings a distinguished background in research and pedagogy to his role. With extensive experience working with prestigious institutions such as the University of Edinburgh and the Centre for Equity Studies, he has honed his expertise in conducting research on multifaceted social development projects and policy formulation.

His academic credentials include a Master's degree in Urban Studies from Ambedkar University, Delhi, which has allowed him to specialize in the intricate intersections of social identities and their resulting impact on social exclusion.?

Through his commitment to promoting social inclusion and equity, Prodipto strives to be a transformative force in the field of social development.