Have you been in a situation where you had to worry about getting an appointment with a doctor or finding a hospital nearby? No, right? That’s because we live in cities where healthcare is just a click away or just a drive away. But that’s not the case in most rural places in India. Have you ever wondered what it’s like to have basic access to healthcare in a remote village?

The truth is, that rural healthcare in India is still a major concern. India’s growth in technology and infrastructure is commendable, but we have to accept the fact that we still have a long way to go when it comes to healthcare access in rural India. Nearly 65% of the Indian population lives in rural places, yet most modern healthcare services are concentrated in cities. This growing healthcare divide is one of the biggest challenges the country faces today.

Let’s take a look at the healthcare challenges faced by people in rural India and what can be done to improve the Health inequality in India.

Healthcare Access in Rural India: Major Challenges

Rural healthcare in India continues to face major challenges that make it difficult for people to have basic healthcare services. Here are some of the major challenges:

1. Lack of Hospitals and Proper Infrastructure – Many villages in India do not have proper hospitals or health centres. Even if they do have a health centre, it would be under-equipped that cannot handle emergencies or complex medical conditions. Most of these health centres do not have clean water, electricity, or basic equipment. Moreover, the roads and transportation in rural places are poor, making it more difficult to reach hospitals.

2. Shortage of Doctors, Nurses and Medical Staff – There are very few doctors and other medical staff in rural areas as most of them prefer to stay in cities where they get better facilities and pay. Due to this the doctor-patient ratio in rural India is far below the recommended standards.

3. Poor Health Awareness – People in rural areas still do not have a proper understanding of basic hygiene, vaccination and regular checkups. Due to a lack of education, people still believe in superstitions and traditional healing which can be dangerous for the patients.

4. Poverty – People in rural areas cannot afford the cost of treatment and medicines. Due to this reason, they delay their treatment or hesitate to meet a doctor.

5. Limited use of Technology – Poor use of technology and mobile connectivity in rural areas makes online health services almost impossible.

What Can Be Done to Bridge the Gap?

The situation of rural healthcare in India is changing gradually and some positive changes that can be seen are:

• Ayushman Bharat – A Government Initiative that aims to strengthen primary healthcare infrastructure and make healthcare more affordable.
• The involvement of NGOs is helping the healthcare sector in rural areas by bringing innovation and resources to these rural villages.
• Awareness and education are being given priority and campaigns around maternal health, sanitation, and immunization have improved public health outcomes.

Although there’s a gradual improvement in healthcare services in Indian villages, we have a long way to go. Here are ways to improve healthcare services in Indian villages:

1. Built more health centres and hospitals.

2. Upgrade existing facilities with proper equipment and staff.

3. Doctors and nurses hesitate to work in rural areas due to poor pay and necessary support. Attracting and retaining skilled medical professionals in rural regions is vital. Without fair compensation, adequate infrastructure, housing, and career growth opportunities, rural healthcare systems suffer. So, doctors must be given good pay, housing and other benefits to work in rural areas.

4. Necessities like clean water, electricity, proper roads and other essentials must be provided in rural areas.

5. Free or low-cost medicines must be available.

6. Services like mobile health vans should be sent to rural areas regularly.

7. Introduce digital patient records for better follow-up and continuity of care.

8. Educate villagers on hygiene, vaccination, family planning, and nutrition.

Healthcare is a basic necessity that everyone deserves irrespective of where they live – Rural or Urban. Health inequality in India is a concerning issue that needs urgent attention. So, now it’s time to ensure that quality healthcare is not a privilege, but a promise for every Indian no matter where they live.