Health Care in India

In India, the hospitals are run by government, charitable trusts and by private organizations. The government hospitals in rural areas are called the (PHC)s primary health centre. Major hospitals are located in district head quarters or major cities. Apart from the modern system of medicine, traditional and indigenous medicinal systems like Ayurvedic and Unani systems are in practice throughout the country. The Modern System of Medicine is regulated by the Medical Council of India, whereas the Alternative systems recognised by Government of India are regulated by the Department of AYUSH (an acronym for Ayurveda, Yunani, Siddha & Homeopathy) under the Ministry of Health, Government of India. PHC's are non-existent in most places, due to poor pay and scarcity of resources. Patients generally prefer private health clinics. These days some of the major corporate hospitals are attracting patients from neighboring countries such as Pakistan, countries in the Middle East and some European countries by providing quality treatment at low cost. In 2005, India spent 5% of GDP on health care, or US$36 per capita. Of that, approximately 19% was government expenditure., but now the situation is changing.