India's 2017 Health Policy Aims for Universal Coverage by 2025

India’s National Health Policy 2017 set ambitious targets for improving healthcare across the country. Recognising the severe financial burden of medical costs on low-income families, the policy laid the foundation for Ayushman Bharat, a flagship health insurance scheme. Its core mission was to achieve Universal Health Coverage for every citizen by 2025.

The policy introduced clear health objectives for the nation. It aimed to raise life expectancy from 67.5 to 70 years by 2025. Another key goal was reducing the Infant Mortality Rate to 16 per 1,000 live births within the same timeframe. Additionally, it sought to lower the Total Fertility Rate to 1 at both national and regional levels.

To tackle infectious diseases, the policy committed to eliminating tuberculosis, leprosy, kala-azar, and lymphatic filariasis in high-risk areas by 2025. It also expanded healthcare services beyond maternal and child health to include non-communicable diseases and mental health support. Financially, the policy set a target of increasing public health spending from 1.15% to 2.5% of GDP by 2025, with a long-term goal of reaching 5%. To modernise healthcare delivery, it proposed a digital health infrastructure, later implemented as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).

The National Health Policy 2017 established measurable targets for India’s healthcare system. By addressing financial barriers, expanding service coverage, and setting disease elimination goals, it aimed to create a more accessible and efficient health network. The policy’s success would depend on sustained funding and effective implementation over the coming years.