Indian Industry Demands Increased Public Healthcare Spending

The Indian pharmaceutical industry has demanded increased public spending on healthcare to improve access to healthcare in the country, The Economic Times reports.   A report by the Organization of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) states that, as public spending on healthcare in India is among the lowest in the world, increased public spending and sustainable financing mechanisms may improve access to healthcare in the country.   OPPI also pointed out that "private health insurance is low, at 5 per cent of the total population. An additional 12 per cent (population) have some cover under government schemes. Most healthcare costs are still borne by patients, as out-of-pocket expenses. Clearly, effective financing mechanisms are a critical requirement for improving access to healthcare."   Ranjana Smetacek, Director General, OPPI, commented: "[We] need sustainable policy solutions to support healthcare financing, infrastructure and human resource challenges."