The Indian Government is reportedly planning to launch a new universal health insurance product in the country.
The department of financial services has already carried out discussions with insurance firms to introduce the new insurance product, reports The Hindu Business Line.
Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Joint Secretary Nikunj Dhal was quoted by the publication as saying: "So far, health schemes are pushing for hospitalisation rather than preventive health. A product that encourages this is also being considered."
"A well-functioning primary health centre is the most important requirement for the country today, along with sustained increase in public spending on primary healthcare."
According to Dhal, health insurance schemes such as Rashtriya Suraksha Bima Yojana (RSBY) is more helpful in tertiary stage, while the similar scheme Rajiv Arogyashree in the state of Andhra Pradesh is catering to the needs of majority of the poor and vulnerable.