Lifestyle diseases, aging population, increase in chronic diseases, shortage of hospital beds, nuclear families, higher disposable income, access to alternate services, affordability, insurance cover, technology has been instrumental for a massive boom in the homecare sector.
India's population is aging rapidly, with the number of people above 60 expected to reach 170 million by 2025. The demographic shift has led to an increase in age-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, stroke, dementia, and alzheimers which require ongoing care and management. Indian healthcare system is also facing a significant shortage of hospital beds, with only 1.3 beds per 1000 people, compared to the global average of 3.5 beds per 1000 people. This shortage has led to a substantial increase in demand for homecare services as well, as patients prefer to receive care in the comfort of their own homes if there is a viable option.
Homecare market in India is estimated to be worth $5.5 billion, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20% over the next five years. This growth is driven by increasing demand for homecare services, industry initiatives to promote homecare, and the entry of new players into the market. Homecare provides a convenient and cost-effective solution, also, since homecare services are both medical and non-medical assistance to patients in the comfort of their own homes, it reduces the need for hospitalization and improves health outcomes.
The Indian government has recognized the potential of homecare services and has introduced initiatives to promote and regulate the sector. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has established guidelines for homecare services, including standards for quality, safety, and patient care.
But homecare sector is facing significant challenges:
There is a lack of financial incentives, subsidies, and tax benefits to encourage investment in homecare. Even though homecare is growing and is creating medical and non-medical jobs rapidly government is yet to recognize it as a separate sector and extend benefits.
Insufficient or no access to training for non-medical resources, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals to enhance their skills is leading to a severe shortage of trained resources.
Inadequate medical insurance cover for patients, lack of additional statutory policy framework in the insurance cover is making homecare less accessible and less attractive to patients.
Public awareness campaigns from the government to educate people about the benefits and importance of homecare is almost non-existent.
Implementing the policy changes in line with the governments globally to suite to the changing dynamics of homecare sector that can improve the quality, accessibility, and affordability of homecare services, ultimately benefiting all the stakeholders is much needed.
Healthcare services received at home from qualified nurses and other technically qualified persons are exempt from GST, but by not extending it to non-medical persons who provide important basic care is a deterrent to cost sensitive Indian market.
Social security programs like the one implemented for gig workers and news paper deliver people by Karnataka government is also a requirement for caregivers, as they may not get employment opportunity after the age of 45-47 yrs.
Homecare sector already have major private hospitals and some key player like Health Vista, HCAH, Skawin, Care24, Athulya and more. They are providing both short-term and long-term jobs for qualified nurses and for people who are service orientation but have only basic educational qualification. Women from small town who come from difficult background are happy to do baby care or patient care and earn Rs15000 – Rs18000 a month than struggle doing odd jobs. Karnataka Government has an opportunity to provide General Duty Assistant (GDA) training for men and women who just have basic educational qualification, and enhance their opportunity to get jobs in the homecare sector.
The population of India is both its biggest strength and weakness, Indians are becoming a global workforce working to make world a better place, but our states and union government policies and strategic interventions lack the efficacy, accountability, and speed to create gold standard organizations in every sector and are inadvertently making job creation a burden for entrepreneurs.
India needs to focus a lot more and healthcare industry, robust infrastructure and access to quality services is now a basic ask. Hence the governments have the obligation to scrub-up and provide patient and caregiver friendly framework for the homecare sector and not put a breathing sector on ventilator.
Kavitha Reddy
Mentor, Skawin Medical & Healthcare www.skawin.in