India strengthens healthcare access through community and digital services

India's largest health survey tracks long-term development

India's Sixth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare presents one of the world's most extensive public health assessments, documenting changes in healthcare, living standards and population health across a country of more than 1.46 billion people, as reported by The Diplomatic Society, a partner of TV BRICS.

The survey demonstrates how long-term investment in healthcare, infrastructure and social development has translated into measurable improvements in public wellbeing. The findings were presented in Johannesburg by India's diplomatic representatives, who described the survey as an important indicator of the country's progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The survey links India's economic expansion with improvements in key social indicators. According to the data, electricity coverage has reached 98.3 per cent of households, while 96.5 per cent have access to improved drinking water.

These developments accompany India's continued economic growth. In 2026, the country's nominal GDP is estimated at around US$4.7 trillion, while GDP per capita has exceeded US$3,200, more than three times higher than at the beginning of the century.

Community healthcare and digital services expand access

The survey highlights the growing role of primary healthcare and digital technologies in expanding medical services.

More than 187,000 Health and Wellness Centres provide frontline healthcare across the country, supported by a nationwide network of over one million Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA workers), who deliver preventive care and maternal and child health services at the community level.

Photo: Sansert Sangsakawrat / iStock

Telemedicine has become an increasingly important component of healthcare delivery, with more than 467 million remote consultations conducted through the national digital healthcare platform. At the same time, health insurance coverage has expanded to 60.2 per cent of the population through national public healthcare initiatives, increasing access to medical services.

Preventive healthcare gains prominence

The latest survey reflects a broader shift in India's healthcare priorities as the country places greater emphasis on preventing disease and promoting healthy lifestyles.

Alongside modern medical services, national programmes encourage physical activity, balanced nutrition and healthy ageing. Traditional practices such as yoga continue to complement preventive healthcare and have gained international recognition through the United Nations-designated International Day of Yoga.

India has also strengthened international cooperation in traditional medicine by supporting evidence-based research and knowledge exchange, contributing to broader discussions on integrating traditional and modern healthcare approaches.

India and Africa explore shared approaches to healthcare development

India's healthcare experience is gaining relevance for cooperation with African countries, particularly in areas such as community-based medicine, preventive care, digital health and knowledge exchange.

The Diplomatic Society reported that both India and African nations have traditions that view health as a combination of physical wellbeing, nutrition, lifestyle and prevention. India's Ayurveda and Africa's indigenous healthcare practices developed within different cultural contexts but share an emphasis on maintaining health through a holistic approach.

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Cooperation between India and Africa increasingly includes healthcare capacity building, medical education, digital solutions and research. Future areas of collaboration may include strengthening community health systems, expanding preventive healthcare programmes, supporting health worker training and exchanging expertise in traditional medicine.

Opportunities for cooperation across the Global South

According to the data, the NFHS-6 findings underline the value of evidence-based policymaking and long-term investment in healthcare systems, the source claimed.

The survey demonstrates how community healthcare, digital health services and preventive care can improve health outcomes at a national scale. These experiences provide practical reference points for cooperation among Global South countries, including through platforms such as BRICS and the G20, in areas including public health, digital innovation, medical education and capacity building.