The Apollo Hospitals Group welcomed the recent decision of the Union Cabinet to approve the National Health Policy framework. The National Health Policy shall endeavour to increase spending on healthcare to 2.5% of GDP from the current 1.2% level. The Policy implementation will lead to strengthen the primary health institutions, which will help reduce the burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases while reducing out-of-pocket expenditure on health services.

Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Founder Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group, welcomed the move, saying, “We congratulate the Union Cabinet for approving the National Health Policy. This is a visionary step towards assuring quality of life and quality of health services to every citizen of India. Strengthening the primary care system, health education, preventive interventions along with ease of access to quality health facilities will help India tide over the communicable and non-communicable disease burden.

Government’s focused initiatives have led to significant progress in containing communicable diseases, reducing infant and maternal mortality, and tremendous progress across vital health parameters. However, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) need a concerted and all-encompassing effort and Government has once again taken a laudable step to expand preventive and curative services in NCDs. We reiterate our commitment to work steadfastly with the Government to ensure a healthy and happy India.”

Non-communicable diseases (NCD’s) like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancers and respiratory illnesses contribute to over 60% of mortality in India. Education, prevention, disease management and early interventions are considered as the most important steps towards preventing morbidity and mortality from NCD’s.

“Access to quality health education and services along with prevention will be our mainstay against NCD’s. The demographic dividend that has been bestowed on our country by virtue of our youth stands jeopardised given the rise of NCD’s. The Government’s inclusion to target NCD’s at the primary care level and to partner with like-minded institutions across the health ecosystem will act as a force multiplier to fight this scourge” said Dr. Reddy.