India Targets Disease Elimination and Health Infrastructure Boost in 2025
As 2025 begins, India is focusing on a robust healthcare strategy targeting disease elimination, expanding infrastructure, and adopting cutting-edge medical technologies. This follows a series of impactful measures in 2024, including the eradication of Trachoma, an initiative to eliminate tuberculosis (TB), and the launch of a health insurance scheme for senior citizens.
India has set its sights on eliminating tuberculosis by 2025, five years ahead of the global target. According to the Union Health Ministry, TB incidence has declined significantly, from 237 per 100,000 people in 2015 to 195 per 100,000 in 2023, while TB-related deaths dropped by 21.4% during the same period. However, challenges such as overcrowded living conditions, rising drug resistance, and occasional drug shortages persist.
Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, former president of the Indian Medical Association, stated, “India holds 25% of the global TB burden, making elimination an uphill task. Disruptions caused by COVID-19 exacerbated this challenge.” To tackle this, the government launched the TB Mukt Bharat Campaign, covering 347 high-priority districts with intensified interventions.
Dengue prevention is also in the spotlight, with nearly 2 lakh cases and 160 deaths reported in 2024. Vaccine trials for dengue, developed in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), are expected to yield promising results, potentially launching the vaccine in 2025. India’s healthcare infrastructure will witness significant expansion in 2025. The Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) aims to establish 150 critical care hospital blocks with 150 beds each, requiring an investment of ₹2,220 crore. Additionally, new All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and upgrades to existing medical colleges are set to enhance capacity.
Currently, 18 out of 22 newly sanctioned AIIMS are functional, with the remaining four in advanced stages of operationalisation. These additions are part of the government’s broader push to address regional disparities in healthcare. The number of medical colleges in India has surged from 387 in 2013-14 to 780 in 2024-25—a 101.5% increase. With 157 new colleges approved, 131 are already operational, and the remaining are expected to follow soon, many in underserved districts. These expansions aim to bridge the gap in access to medical education and healthcare.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer remain a growing concern. Officials stress the need for early diagnosis, preventive care, and public awareness campaigns to manage these diseases effectively.
In 2024, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana was extended to senior citizens aged 70 and above. The scheme, recognised as the world’s largest health insurance initiative, now benefits six crore individuals, with over 32 lakh enrolled under the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card. This move underscores the government’s commitment to equitable access to healthcare. While the plans are ambitious, experts like the Healthcare Federation of India (NATHEALTH) stress the need for increased budgetary allocations. “India must meet its stated goal of spending 2.5% of GDP on healthcare by 2025 to realise these objectives fully,” they said. With strategic investments and sustained efforts, 2025 holds the promise of transformative changes in India’s healthcare system, fostering a healthier and more equitable nation.
