India’s healthcare infrastructure gets post-pandemic boost: report – Healthcare News

India’s healthcare infrastructure has grown significantly post-pandemic, according to a Pharmarack report. While the number of hospitals increased from 43,500 in 2019 to 54,000 in 2024, private hospitals recorded the highest growth of 27%, from around 30,000 in 2019 to 38,000 in 2024.

The total number of hospital beds also increased from 1.1 million to 1.3 million during the same period. “The number of hospital beds is expected to reach around 1.7 million by 2030, with increases likely in urban and rural areas,” the report said.

The number of medical schools has recorded significant growth over the past ten years. For example, there were 387 medical schools in 2014 offering 51,348 places. It increased to 706 colleges (offering 109,145 places) this year. During the same period, the number of nursing schools increased from 5,700 to 8,692, the report said.

“Despite significant development of health infrastructure, a large majority of the population still remains underserved. Nearly 70% of the population lives in rural areas of India. Of the total healthcare facilities available in the country today, only 25% exist in rural India. It will take some time, but the journey has begun thanks to the rapid growth and acceptance of innovations triggered by the pandemic, such as online pharmacies, teleconsultations and various government initiatives aimed at ensuring the right to health for all sections,” said Sheetal Sapale. , Vice President (Commercial), Pharmarack.

According to the report, over the past six years, the online pharmacy market has almost quadrupled from $512 million in 2018 to $2 billion in 2024. Around 2018, this segment was growing 10-15% per year. year and peaked at 60%. % during the pandemic. Growth has now stabilized at 20%.

“Online pharmacies are more popular with patients with chronic illnesses who are looking for discounts on their regular medication purchases. Through partnerships for last-mile delivery, online pharmacies have expanded their reach, attracting consumers from semi-urban and rural areas with features like COD (cash on delivery) and payment options electronic,” the report states.