SVKM’s

NMIMS Hyderabad

Academic Year 2023-2024

TOPIC: Creating Sustainable World

Name: Nikhil R
Section: C
Subject: Corporate Sustainability

(Dr. Umakanta Nayak)

 Introduction
Healthcare is a critical social issue that transcends individual well-being to impact entire
communities. Access to quality healthcare services is a fundamental human right, yet
disparities persist, deepening societal divides. Issues such as affordability, unequal distribution,
and systemic barriers exacerbate the challenges faced by vulnerable populations. As the
backbone of a thriving society, addressing healthcare inequities is paramount for fostering a
healthier, more equitable world. In this article, we delve into the multifaceted dimensions of
healthcare as a social concern, exploring the implications, root causes, and potential solutions
to pave the way for a fairer and healthier future for all.

Extent of the Problem

1. Inadequate Access to Healthcare Services:
Rural-Urban Disparities: Rural areas are a world with completely different healthcare
infrastructure and also services when compared to urban ones. Medical facilities, skilled
medical professionals and the transportation are typically unavailable to rural populations
Limited Primary Healthcare: The primary healthcare infrastructure is not robust enough to
address the needs of the vast population. Basic health services are often unavailable or
inadequate in many regions.

2. Financial Barriers:
High Out-of-Pocket Expenditure A considerable amount of healthcare costs in India are fully
paid by the individuals and families, hence burdening them. This is especially painful for the
poor families.
Lack of Health Insurance: A considerable portion of the population, especially in remote areas
doesn't insure and as a result has to pay for expensive treatment.

3. Infrastructure and Resource Constraints:

Insufficient Healthcare Facilities: The number of hospitals, clinics, and healthcare centers is
insufficient to meet the growing healthcare needs of the population.
Shortage of Healthcare Professionals: There is a shortage of healthcare professionals, including
doctors, nurses, and paramedics, leading to overburdened healthcare facilities and
compromised quality of care.

4. Healthcare Quality and Standards:

Varied Quality of Care: There is a wide variation in the quality of healthcare services, with
urban areas generally having better facilities and standards than rural areas.
Regulatory Challenges: Ensuring and maintaining quality standards across healthcare facilities
is a persistent challenge.

5. Public Health Infrastructure:

Water and Sanitation: Water-borne diseases are transmitted due to the poor accessibilities of
clean water and also sanitation facilities.
Public Health Education: The lack of awareness about various preventive healthcare practices
is one major factor that puts an individual to health problems when it can be prevented by
proper education.

Root Causes of the Problem:

1. Infrastructure and Resource Gap: Inadequate healthcare infrastructure and a shortage
of medical professionals contribute to the problem. Rural areas suffer the most from a
lack of hospitals, clinics, and trained healthcare staff.

2. Economic Disparities: Economic disparities exacerbate healthcare issues. Many people,

particularly those in lower-income groups, struggle to afford even basic medical
services. This economic divide affects their ability to access timely and quality
healthcare.

3. Inadequate Public Health Programs: The effectiveness of public health programs,

especially in preventive care, is hindered by insufficient funding, implementation
challenges, and a lack of awareness.

4. Poor Health Education: Limited health literacy and awareness in certain communities
contribute to late-stage diagnoses and a higher burden on healthcare facilities.

5. Population Density: High population density in urban areas strains existing healthcare
facilities, leading to longer waiting times and reduced quality of care.

Impact on Business and Key Stakeholders:

1. Productivity Loss: Unhealthy populations contribute to reduced productivity due to

increased absenteeism and decreased work efficiency. This directly affects businesses
and the overall economic development of the country.

2. Increased Healthcare Costs for Businesses: Companies often bear the cost of providing
healthcare benefits to employees. The burden of healthcare expenses can impact a
 company's financial performance, especially small and medium-sized enterprises
(SMEs).

3. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Businesses are increasingly recognizing their

role in addressing societal issues. Many organizations invest in CSR initiatives related
to healthcare to contribute positively to the communities they operate in.

4. Human Capital Development: A healthy workforce is essential for sustained economic

growth. Businesses relying on skilled labor face challenges if the workforce lacks
access to adequate healthcare, impacting the development of human capital.

5. Government and Policy Impact: Businesses are affected by government policies related
to healthcare. Regulatory changes, healthcare infrastructure development, and public
health programs can influence the business environment.

SDG’s that are impacted due by Healthcare

The social issue of healthcare in India is intricately linked to several Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the interconnectedness of health with broader aspects of societal
development.

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being:

Goal: Strives for healthy lives and well-being for all, at all ages.
Direct Impact: The main target of SDG 3 is healthcare that leads to the goal for healthy lives
and well-being for all ages. It includes targets focused on disease prevention, treatment,
maternal and child health, as well as universal healthcare.

2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities:

Goal: Reducing inequalities within and among countries for a fairer world.
Direct Impact: Access to healthcare services is a critical factor in reducing health inequalities
within and between countries. Ensuring equal access to quality healthcare will be fundamental
step towards reducing health inequalities. Providing healthcare services to marginalized and
vulnerable populations helps bridge the gap between different socioeconomic groups.

3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals:

Goal: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for
Sustainable Development.
Direct Impact: Partnerships are essential to addressing global health challenges, including
infectious diseases, and for achieving sustainable development goals related to health.
Healthcare becomes a focal point during global health emergencies. SDG 17 underscores the
importance of international cooperation in responding to health crises, sharing information, and
providing mutual support to prevent the spread of diseases.

Government Programs Addressing Healthcare issues

The notable government program in India that addresses the social issue of healthcare is the
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) launched in September
2018, is aimed at providing financial protection to more than a hundred million economically
vulnerable families through health coverage of up to INR five lakh for each family annually.

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY):

Objective: The aim of AB–PMJAY lies in alleviating the financial burdens caused by
catastrophic health expenditures and improving the accessibility to quality healthcare for the
poor population.
Key Features: The program offers an INR 5 lakh per family annual health cover for the
secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. It includes a variety of health care services such as
pre-and post-admission costs, laboratory tests and also drugs. Families have been identified as
being deprived and in need of the support based on the AB-PMJAY.
Implementation:
The program is implemented as a government-funded insurance scheme, with empaneled
public and private hospitals providing healthcare services to beneficiaries. It utilizes
technology, including IT platforms and Aadhaar authentication, to streamline the identification
and verification of beneficiaries.

Gaps in the Government Programs:

Coverage Gap:
Despite the ambitious scope, there are still segments of the population not covered by AB-
PMJAY. The identification and enrollment of eligible beneficiaries may face challenges,
leading to exclusion.

1. Healthcare Infrastructure Challenges:

The success of the program depends on the availability of a robust healthcare infrastructure.
Inadequate infrastructure in certain regions may limit the effectiveness of the scheme.
 2. Quality of Healthcare Services:
While the program focuses on financial protection, the quality of healthcare services provided
in empaneled hospitals can vary. Ensuring consistent and high-quality care across all facilities
remains a challenge.

3. Awareness and Health Literacy:

Limited awareness and health literacy among the target population can hinder the utilization of
healthcare services. Many eligible beneficiaries may not be fully aware of the benefits or the
process of availing them.

4. Preventive Healthcare:
While AB-PMJAY addresses financial protection for hospitalization, there is a need for greater
emphasis on preventive healthcare measures to reduce the encumbrance of diseases.

5. Urban-Rural Disparities:
Rural areas may face more challenges in terms of healthcare accessibility compared to urban
areas. Ensuring equitable distribution of healthcare facilities and resources is crucial.

Recommendations to Address Gaps in Government Programs

1. Comprehensive Awareness Campaigns:
Carry out focused and wide-ranging awareness campaigns to educate those poor citizens that
would meet the criteria for beneficiaries about this program, its advantages and also ways in
which they could enroll. Employ different communication avenues; for instance, use the local
media, community leaders and also grassroots organizations.

2. Community Engagement:
Foster community engagement by involving local communities in the planning,
implementation, and monitoring of the program. This can enhance trust, increase participation,
and address specific needs and concerns of the communities.

3. Strengthen Healthcare Infrastructure:

Develop and enhance the healthcare infrastructure mainly in the neglected rural areas. This
includes the expansion of the health facilities, availability of essential medical equipment and
also recruitment as well as retention measures for competent professionals.
 4. Public-Private Partnerships:
Create partnerships with many private health organizations to broaden the scope and variety of
available healthcare services. Promote the private sector engagement through incentives and
also collaborations ensuring that quality standards remain high.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives Addressing Healthcare

The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives addressing Healthcare issue in the
society involves business taking voluntary actions to contribute to the well-being of the society.
In the context of Healthcare several companies in India have taken up CSR activities to address
the healthcare challenges faced by different communities of India. The below are some of the
renowned companies in India and their CSR initiatives addressing Healthcare:

1. Apollo Tyres' Healthcare Program:

Initiative: Apollo Tyres, a leading tire manufacturer, has a comprehensive CSR program that
includes healthcare initiatives. They operate mobile healthcare units that provide medical
services to remote and underserved communities. The program focuses on preventive
healthcare, primary medical care, and health education.

2. Wipro GE Healthcare's Community Health Programs:

Initiative: Wipro GE Healthcare, a company specializing in medical imaging and healthcare
solutions, has implemented various community health programs. These initiatives often
involve setting up health camps, mobile health units, and partnering with healthcare NGOs to
provide medical services, diagnostics, and health education in rural and urban areas.

3. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Health and Wellness Programs:

Initiative: TCS, one of the largest IT services companies, runs health and wellness programs
as part of its CSR initiatives. These programs aim to promote employee well-being and extend
to the community. TCS often organizes health camps, awareness sessions, and provides access
to healthcare resources in areas surrounding its operational centers.

4. Dr. Reddy's Foundation's Health Initiatives:

Initiative: Dr. Reddy's Foundation, associated with Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, has healthcare
initiatives that focus on providing affordable and accessible healthcare. These initiatives often
involve setting up healthcare centers, mobile clinics, and implementing health awareness
campaigns.
 Challenges in Corporate CSR Contributions
Corporates faces many challenges when it comes to CSR contribution on the area of healthcare.
While implementing the healthcare initiatives for the well-being of the underdeveloped society
and contributed as a noble several obstacles can cause effective implementation of the
initiatives in this sector. Here are some of the challenges faced by the corporates in CSR
contributions for healthcare:

1. Resource Allocation:
Limited budget: Many corporations may have budget constraints, making it challenging to
allocate significant resources to healthcare initiatives.
Competing priorities: Companies often have various CSR initiatives, and healthcare may have
to compete with other equally important causes for funding.

2. Sustainability and Long-term Commitment:

Short-term focus: Some corporations may prioritize short-term projects over long-term
healthcare initiatives, which could hinder sustainable impact.
Lack of long-term commitment: Consistent and long-term commitment is crucial in healthcare
projects, but corporations may face difficulties in maintaining such commitments.

3. Complex Regulatory Environment:

Stringent regulations: Healthcare projects often involve complex regulatory compliance,
making it challenging for corporations to navigate and adhere to all legal requirements.
Frequent changes in regulations: Frequent changes in healthcare policies and regulations can
pose challenges for companies to adapt and stay compliant.

4. Partnership and Collaboration:

Identifying suitable partners: Finding reliable and effective partners in the healthcare sector
can be challenging, especially in regions with limited infrastructure.
Building effective collaborations: Establishing and maintaining effective collaborations with
healthcare organizations, NGOs, and government bodies may require significant effort.
5. Measuring Impact:
Quantifying outcomes: Measuring the impact of healthcare CSR initiatives can be difficult,
especially when it comes to quantifying improvements in health outcomes.
Demonstrating tangible results: Corporations often struggle to demonstrate the tangible
results of their healthcare CSR contributions, which may impact stakeholder perceptions.
 6. Public Relations and Perception:
Balancing public relations: Companies need to strike a balance between promoting their CSR
efforts for positive public relations and avoiding accusations of greenwashing or insincerity.
Managing public expectations: There may be unrealistic expectations from the public
regarding the scale and speed of improvements resulting from corporate healthcare
contributions.

Recommendations for Enhancing CSR contributions

1. Conduct Comprehensive Needs Assessment:
Before initiating CSR projects, conduct a thorough needs assessment to identify the specific
healthcare challenges and needs of the target communities. Understanding local requirements
will help tailor initiatives for maximum impact.

2. Establish Clear Objectives and Metrics:

Clearly define the objectives of healthcare initiatives and establish measurable metrics to track
progress. Having specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals
will help in evaluating the success of the initiatives.

3. Long-term Commitment:
Commit to long-term projects that address systemic issues rather than opting for short-term
interventions. Sustainable impact in healthcare often requires consistent efforts and a
commitment to addressing root causes.

4. Collaborate with Stakeholders:

Foster collaborations with healthcare organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs),
government bodies, and local communities. Partnerships can bring diverse expertise, resources,
and perspectives to the table, enhancing the effectiveness of CSR initiatives.

5. Invest in Employee Engagement:

Engage employees in CSR initiatives, fostering a sense of purpose and social responsibility.
Encourage volunteerism and skill-based volunteering to leverage the unique talents and
expertise of the workforce in healthcare projects.

6. Technological Integration:
Embrace innovative healthcare technologies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of
interventions. Explore telemedicine, health information systems, and other digital solutions to
improve access to healthcare services.

7. Promote Preventive Healthcare:

Prioritize preventive healthcare measures to address health issues at their roots. Programs
focusing on health education, vaccination drives, and early detection can significantly
contribute to reducing the burden on healthcare systems.

Recommendations for Governments:

1. Increase Healthcare Spending:
Allocate a higher percentage of the national budget to healthcare to improve infrastructure,
staffing, and overall service quality. This would enable most of the healthcare centres to
provide quality service to the public with better infrastructure, equipments etc.

2. Focus on Preventive Healthcare:

The government should develop and implement robust preventive healthcare programs to
reduce the incidence of diseases such as awareness campaigns, vaccination camps in the rural
and urban areas. This would eventually reduces the burden on the healthcare system.
Implement comprehensive health education programs to improve health literacy and create
awareness about preventive measures, healthy lifestyles, and the importance of early detection

3. Strengthen Primary Healthcare:

Investing and strengthening the primary healthcare services, particularly in rural and under-
developed areas would be beneficial in lowering the healthcare issues and also to ensure that
all the people have access to good quality of healthcare services

4. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP):

Promote the partnerships with private actors to tap into the resources and skills. The gaps in
the healthcare infrastructure and service delivery could be bridged through the PPPs.
5. Regulate and Monitor Healthcare Quality:
Regulatory frameworks should be strengthened to ensure the good quality of healthcare. There
should be regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms in the place to measure the quality
of care.
 6. Universal Health Coverage (UHC):
Implement and strengthen policies that move towards achieving universal health coverage.
This ensures that all individuals and communities have access to essential healthcare services
without suffering financial hardship.

Joint Recommendations for Governments and Corporations:

1. Invest in Health Infrastructure:
Recommendation: Collaborate on funding and developing healthcare infrastructure to enhance
accessibility and quality.
Rationale: Joint efforts in infrastructure development can address gaps in healthcare service
delivery (World Health Organization, 2020; Harvard Business Review, 2019).

2. Support Health Workforce Training:

Recommendation: Partner to invest in training programs for healthcare professionals to
address workforce shortages.
Rationale: Joint initiatives can contribute to a skilled and sufficient healthcare workforce
(Journal of Health Economics, 2017; McKinsey & Company, 2021).

3. Promote Preventive Healthcare Initiatives:

Recommendation: Collaborate on public awareness campaigns and preventive healthcare
programs.
Rationale: Shared initiatives can improve community health and reduce the burden on
healthcare systems (National Institutes of Health, 2019; World Economic Forum, 2018).

4. Facilitate Public-Private Partnerships:

Recommendation: Encourage and facilitate collaborations between government and
corporations for efficient healthcare service provision.
Rationale: Public-private partnerships optimize resource utilization and enhance healthcare
access (Public Administration Review, 2018; The Lancet, 2021).

5. Leverage Technology for Healthcare Innovation:

Recommendation: Collaborate on implementing and advancing technology in healthcare, such
as telemedicine and health information systems.
Rationale: Joint technological initiatives enhance healthcare accessibility and efficiency
(Journal of Medical Internet Research, 2020; PwC, 2019).

6. Address Social Determinants of Health:

Recommendation: Jointly develop and support policies addressing social determinants like
education and housing.
Rationale: Addressing social determinants is essential for achieving health equity (American
Journal of Public Health, 2018; World Health Organization, 2021).

7. Advocate for Policy Reforms:

Recommendation: Collaboratively advocate for policy changes that improve health insurance
coverage and reduce financial barriers.
Rationale: Joint advocacy can drive impactful policy reforms (Health Affairs, 2019; McKinsey
& Company, 2020).

References
1. https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/26298HLPF_2020_impact_
COVID19.pdf
2. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/09/challenges-healthcare-sustainable-
development-sdg3-good-health-well-being/
3. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/health/
4. https://corporate.apollotyres.com/sustainability-and-ethics/initiatives/
5. https://www.tcs.com/who-we-are/corporate-social-responsibility
6. https://www.wbcsd.org/Programs/Redefining-Value/Reporting-
matters/Resources/RM2022

Citations
1. Fischer, F., & Carow, F. (2022). Impact of Public Health and Sustainability of Global Health
Action for Achieving SDG 3. Good Health and Well-Being, 111.
2. Wiist, W. H. (2006). Public health and the anticorporate movement: rationale and
recommendations. American Journal of Public Health, 96(8), 1370-1375.