What is the current status of India's National Health Policy 2017?

The National Health Policy 2017, which had targets set for 2025, is currently under review as India anticipates a new policy beyond 2026.

What were the key achievements and challenges of the NHP 2017?

Achievements include progress in maternal mortality and immunization, while challenges persist in public health expenditure and out-of-pocket spending, indicating stagnation in these areas.

What should the future National Health Policy focus on?

Future policies must prioritize pandemic preparedness and address commercial and environmental determinants of health, such as air pollution and ultra-processed foods.

Home / Health / India's Health Policy: A 2026 Scorecard

India's Health Policy: A 2026 Scorecard

25 Jan

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Summary

National Health Policy 2017 targets were set for 2025.
Progress varied, with successes in maternal health but stagnation in public spending.
Pandemic preparedness and environmental factors need future policy focus.

India's National Health Policy (NHP) 2017, established with a 2025 horizon, is due for a comprehensive review. As of January 2026, a new policy is anticipated, necessitating an assessment of progress made. The 2017 policy acknowledged shifts towards non-communicable diseases, private sector expansion, and the impact of out-of-pocket expenditure on households.

Analysis of the NHP 2017 scorecard reveals uneven progress. Measurable indicators like maternal mortality and immunization showed improvement. However, public health expenditure and out-of-pocket spending indicate stagnation. Ambiguities persist in areas with weak measurement systems.

The policy's broader reform agenda, including tobacco control and community health platforms, also faces challenges in quantification and implementation. Institutional and workforce developments, such as emergency response systems and a public health cadre, have seen mixed results.