In 2019, the Government introduced the Healthcare Investment Policy with great fanfare, heralding it as a game-changer for the region. It offered an attractive package of subsidies and land grants, designed to stimulate investments from renowned healthcare chains such as Fortis, Medanta, and Park Group of Hospitals. However, five years after its inception, this ambitious plan appears to be trapped in bureaucratic inertia and unfulfilled promises. Despite declarations of substantial interest from top players in India’s healthcare sector and over Rs 3,325 crores in proposed investments, there is little visible progress on the ground. The fate of these much-needed healthcare facilities, which could have transformed the region’s healthcare landscape, remains uncertain. This delay not only prolongs the wait for critical healthcare services for millions of residents in J&K but also raises numerous questions about the effectiveness of the Government’s policy implementation and commitment to its promises.
The policy was introduced at a time when the need for improved healthcare services in J&K had never been more acute. The people of J&K have long been deprived of access to advanced healthcare facilities. The introduction of the Healthcare Investment Policy seemed like a ray of hope, offering a viable solution to these pressing needs. Various incentives were offered by the Government, including a streamlined “single window” clearance system designed to facilitate the smooth and rapid approval of project proposals. Yet, in practice, none of this has materialised.
The Healthcare Policy of J&K was modelled after the Industrial Policy of 2016, which saw significant success in attracting investments to the region. However, the same level of seriousness and commitment has not been applied to the healthcare sector. Leading healthcare institutions such as Fortis, Medanta, Yashoda Group, and Capitol Group have expressed their intent to invest in J&K. Many investors have prepared project proposals, but these have been stuck in limbo due to indecisiveness and failure to provide suitable land at prime locations. Even when land is made available, it is often not in locations preferred by investors, leading to further delays and missed opportunities. Investors have been offered land in suboptimal locations, such as the old Resin factory complex in Miran Sahib. While the Government envisions a “medicity” at this single location, investors argue that multiple strategic locations closer to major highways would better serve the needs of patients and investors alike.
Though Apollo Hospitals have secured land for hospital projects in J&K, this shows some movement; however, this progress is insufficient to meet the large-scale healthcare demands of the region. The reluctance to provide land at prime locations as requested by investors further indicates a lack of strategic planning.
While the delays are regular features, the real cost is being borne by the people of J&K. A sizeable portion of the population in this region, especially those living in remote areas, has limited access to quality healthcare. For critical medical needs, residents often have to travel to Punjab, Chandigarh, Delhi, or even further, placing an immense burden on them both financially and emotionally. For a region grappling with its fair share of socio-political challenges, an accessible and advanced healthcare infrastructure could make a world of difference. The gravity of the situation is evident as thousands flood Government hospitals for OPD services, with operation dates pushed months ahead. The medical infrastructure is buckling under immense pressure, yet certain factions within the administration remain indifferent.
The potential of J&K’s Healthcare Investment Policy to revolutionise healthcare in the region is undeniable, but it cannot remain a pipe dream. The Government must address the bottlenecks in the system, make the promised “single window” operational, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to attracting these much-needed investments. Government must act swiftly as these projects take substantial time to setup. Only then can J&K hope to benefit from the expertise and resources of leading healthcare providers.
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