Government Initiatives

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare proposes that domestic funding should be increased to at least 2 per cent of the GDP in the 12th Plan period.

The Government has increased the plan allocation for the public health spending to US$ 5.96 billion in 2011-12 from US$ 4.97 billion in 2010-11 and US$ 4.35 billion in 2009-10 respectively.

Further, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Germany 's Helmholtz Association (HGF) have signed a new MoU on translational efforts in biomedical research for a period of next five years.

Significantly, the Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana to registered domestic workers in the country. The scheme is expected to cover approximately 47.50 lakh domestic workers, primarily women.

Research and Development

There are a number of autonomous institutions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, which conduct research in various specific areas. Main institutions involved are:

• Indian Council Of Medical Research (ICMR)
  
• Indian Medical Association (IMA)
  
• Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI)

Investment Opportunities

• Health Insurance
  
• Medical Tourism
  
• Hospital Management
  
• Curative and Preventive Services
  
• Infrastructure Facilities like Hospitals and Diagnostic Centre
  
• Training Manpower (doctors, nurses, technicians)

Policy Initiatives

• National Health Policy (2002)

Key highlights

• Achieve an acceptable standard of good health amongst the general population of the country.
  
• Increase access to the decentralized public health system.
  
• The contribution of the private sector in providing health services would be much enhanced.
  
• Increased access to tried and tested systems of traditional medicine will be ensured.

FDI Policy

100 percent is permitted for all health related services under the automatic route

Key Players

Private players have made significant investments in setting up state-of-the-art private hospitals in cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad. They have introduced latest medical technology and have created a competitive environment. The government's share in the healthcare delivery market is 20 percent while 80 percent is with the private sector. Emergence of corporate hospitals has led to increased professionalism in medical practices and use of hospital management tools.

• Apollo Group
  
• Fortis
  
• Max
  
• Wockhardt
  
• Piramal
  
• Duncan
  
• Ispat
  
• Escorts
  
• Ranbaxy Group Company

Useful Web links

• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare