Right to Health: India’s Agenda for Universal Access

Paper: GS –I/II, Subject: Society and social Justice, Topic: Health Sector, Issue: National Convention on Health Rights.

Context:

The National Convention on Health Rights is being held in New Delhi.  It gathers 400+ health professionals, activists, and organisations across 20 states.

Key Highlights:

The National Convention on Health Rights (Dec 11–12, 2025) is being held in Delhi. Organised by Jan Swasthya Abhiyan (JSA) – a national network of health rights groups across 20+ states. Timed between Human Rights Day (Dec 10) and Universal Health Coverage Day (Dec 12) Aim: Discuss India’s major health challenges and chart a roadmap for Right to Health as a fundamental guarantee.

Key Highlights:

Challenging Privatisation:

  • Rapid expansion of private sector into medical colleges and hospitals.
  • PPPs and privatisation threaten already weak public healthcare.
  • Makes healthcare unaffordable for millions relying on public systems.
  • Regulation remains extremely weak despite the Clinical Establishments Act, 2010.
  • Consequences for patients: overcharging, unnecessary procedures (e.g., excessive C-sections), violation of patient rights and lack of transparency

Weak Public Health Spending:

  • India spends only 2% of Union Budget on health.
  • $25 per capita public spending among the lowest globally.
  • Out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) remains high.
  • Government insurance schemes (AB-PMJAY etc.) receive disproportionate attention, but ground impact is limited.
  • 80% of medicines remain outside price control; overcharging persists.
  • The Convention calls for: enhanced public spending, reduced OOPE, stronger public provisionin and equitable access to services

Justice for Health Workers and Equitable Healthcare:

Justice for Health Workers and Equitable Healthcare:

25 Years of Jan Swasthya Abhiyan (JSA):

  • JSA has worked across 20 states with:
    • women’s groups
    • rural movements
    • science organisations
    • patient groups
  • Goal: strengthen health rights & pro-people policies.

India’s health trajectory demands a decisive shift toward robust public systems grounded in equity, affordability, and accountability. The National Convention on Health Rights reaffirms that health must be treated as a fundamental right, not a commodity, and calls for policies that prioritise people over profit.

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/charting-an-agenda-on-the-right-to-health/article70377433.ece

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