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This chapter examines the evolving landscape of Primary Health Care (PHC) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in South Asia, focusing on Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. With the region projected to house over 2 billion people by 2025, it faces significant health challenges exacerbated by urbanisation and socio-economic disparities. This chapter critically evaluates the performance of PHC frameworks, emphasising the need for integrated service delivery and community empowerment to enhance health outcomes. It highlights India’s Ayushman Bharat initiative, which aims to provide comprehensive health coverage to vulnerable populations through Health and Wellness Centres and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). Despite progress, challenges persist, including inadequate hospital infrastructure and high out-of-pocket expenditures. This chapter also explores the impact of COVID-19 on UHC, revealing that countries with robust health systems and political commitment fared better during the pandemic. Furthermore, it discusses the potential of cross-border healthcare services and medical tourism in India as avenues for improving access to quality care. Ultimately, this chapter advocates for a strengthened regional health system to address shared public health challenges and improve health equity across South Asia.

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Bridging Healthcare Gaps in South Asia: A Collaborative Journey Towards Healthier Communities

  • 章节

  • 发表日期：

    2026年

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  • Arindam Banik,
  • Sahana Roy Chowdhury,
  • Dona Ghosh

摘要

This chapter examines the evolving landscape of Primary Health Care (PHC) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in South Asia, focusing on Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. With the region projected to house over 2 billion people by 2025, it faces significant health challenges exacerbated by urbanisation and socio-economic disparities. This chapter critically evaluates the performance of PHC frameworks, emphasising the need for integrated service delivery and community empowerment to enhance health outcomes. It highlights India’s Ayushman Bharat initiative, which aims to provide comprehensive health coverage to vulnerable populations through Health and Wellness Centres and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). Despite progress, challenges persist, including inadequate hospital infrastructure and high out-of-pocket expenditures. This chapter also explores the impact of COVID-19 on UHC, revealing that countries with robust health systems and political commitment fared better during the pandemic. Furthermore, it discusses the potential of cross-border healthcare services and medical tourism in India as avenues for improving access to quality care. Ultimately, this chapter advocates for a strengthened regional health system to address shared public health challenges and improve health equity across South Asia.