National Health Policy (NHP) 2002 and 2017

The National Health Policy of 2002 aimed to "revitalize" the primary healthcare system in India and
improve access to healthcare services, particularly for the rural population. Some of the key features of
the policy included:

 Increasing public spending on healthcare from 0.9% to 2-3% of GDP.

 Encouraging private sector participation in healthcare delivery while regulating the sector.
 Strengthening the public healthcare infrastructure at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
 Developing a National Health Grid to promote the use of information and communication
technology in healthcare.
 Providing universal access to essential drugs and vaccines.
 Addressing the social determinants of health, such as poverty and education.

The National Health Policy of 2017 builds on the earlier policy and aims to achieve the highest possible
level of good health and well-being for all people in India. Some of the key objectives of the policy are:

 Increase healthcare spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2025.

 Increase access to comprehensive primary healthcare services.
 Promote preventive and promotive healthcare.
 Address the social determinants of health.
 Encourage the private sector to provide quality healthcare services at affordable prices.
 Integrate AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) with
allopathic healthcare to provide holistic care.
 Develop a robust health information system and ensure data privacy and security.

Overall, both policies aim to improve the health of the population and make healthcare services more
accessible, affordable, and equitable.