Health Care Reforms Part 9 - 'Indianising' American Health Care: A Cross-cultural Treatment to a Mega Disease

Something which is most difficult to do is to inspire others. At first, if you are unbearable they cry over you; if you push a bit harder, they are content to ignore you; if you push a bit harder, they take notice; if you push bit more harder, they acknowledge; if you push bit more harder, they appreciate; if you push more harder; then they get inspired and accept you. These are the levels of push work or the difficult path you need to travel before making a real inspiring mark on others or get their approval. Right from ignoring you to acknowledging and getting inspired, it is not an easy game to play and create such a feeling. The point is we should not ‘cry’ at the source but get ‘inspired’ positively and enrich ourselves for the ingredients always constitute such a recipe as an outcome. The source should always be felt as a source of inspiration for it goes against the tide and goes through all the layers of difficulty and create a lasting imprint that is more than something which is just ‘green’. When you cry over something or someone so profusely, it stagnates the source or the person without doing any good to him or her. The person may not get the funds he need, the person may not grow personally or anywhere else, the person doesn’t live under someone which enriches his life – it all points towards a path of nowhere, continuous gloom and agony while he may perpetually try and inspire others. In any way, the bottom line shouldn’t be missed that we are all getting moved and inspired by all that is underway. 

While I am working in the great American health care office, let me talk about the inspiration we get from India for shaping better health care in U.S. In recent years, the challenges facing the American healthcare system have sparked intense debates on reform. Soaring costs, unequal access, and inefficiencies have prompted policymakers, insurers, and medical professionals to look beyond traditional paradigms for inspiration. One emerging trend is the consideration of elements from the Indian healthcare model, which, through initiatives such as the Ayushman Bharat scheme, has demonstrated how low-cost, inclusive, and technologically integrated healthcare can serve as a catalyst for social and economic well-being. Let us explore how Indian healthcare innovations can be adapted to “Indianise” American healthcare, drawing on examples, stories, facts, and figures to illustrate a promising path forward. 

India’s healthcare system has long been a study in contrasts. Despite the challenges of serving a population of over 1.3 billion people across diverse geographies, India has managed to pioneer innovative models that emphasize accessibility and affordability. The Ayushman Bharat scheme, launched in 2018, stands as a shining example. Often hailed as the world’s largest government-funded health insurance program, Ayushman Bharat aims to cover over 500 million of the country’s poorest citizens, offering coverage of up to INR 500,000 (approximately USD 6,500) per family per year. This ambitious program has dramatically reduced the financial burden of healthcare on millions, ensuring that even the underprivileged receive quality medical care without incurring catastrophic expenses. 

A key feature of Ayushman Bharat is its digital backbone. The scheme leverages robust information technology systems to register beneficiaries, process claims, and monitor the quality of care across public and private healthcare providers. This digital infrastructure not only streamlines administration but also reduces corruption and inefficiencies—a stark contrast to many of the bureaucratic hurdles that often plague healthcare systems around the world. 

One of the most remarkable aspects of Indian healthcare is its low cost. Medical treatments in India—ranging from routine check-ups to complex surgeries—are offered at a fraction of the cost in developed countries. For instance, a coronary artery bypass surgery that might cost upwards of USD 150,000 in the United States can be performed in India for as little as USD 10,000 to USD 15,000, without compromising on quality. This affordability is not merely a function of lower wages; it is the result of a well-coordinated system that emphasizes high-volume care, standardized protocols, and efficient supply chains. 

Hospitals in India have mastered the art of delivering high-quality care on limited budgets. They utilize generic medications, optimize resource allocation, and ushers a competitive market that continuously drives innovation in cost reduction. The success of India’s low-cost healthcare model is evident in the booming medical tourism industry. Every year, hundreds of thousands of international patients, including many from the United States, travel to India to access world-class treatments at affordable prices. This influx not only boosts the Indian economy but also demonstrates the viability of a system built on efficiency and inclusiveness. 

The American healthcare system, with its high expenditures and complex insurance structures, is under increasing pressure to reform. In 2019, the United States spent approximately 18% of its GDP on healthcare—amounting to nearly USD 3.8 trillion—yet millions remain uninsured or underinsured. In contrast, India’s emphasis on universal coverage through schemes like Ayushman Bharat, combined with its low-cost treatment methods, offers a compelling alternative. 

American policymakers and hospital administrators have begun to examine these Indian practices. There is growing interest in the adoption of digital health platforms, akin to those that underpin Ayushman Bharat. For example, telemedicine and electronic health records—already well-established in Indian public health initiatives—are being explored to streamline care in rural and underserved areas of the United States. Such digital solutions have the potential to reduce administrative costs, enhance care coordination, and improve patient outcomes, particularly in communities that have traditionally struggled to access quality care. 

Furthermore, the competitive pricing strategies employed by Indian hospitals are inspiring American health systems to rethink their own cost structures. In some cases, American hospitals have established partnerships with Indian institutions to learn from their lean management techniques. For instance, a few prominent U.S. hospitals have initiated pilot programs to study how high-volume, low-cost care models can be integrated into their operations, with the aim of reducing overall treatment costs without compromising quality. These initiatives also explore the use of generics and bulk procurement strategies—practices that have long been standard in India. 

A compelling example of this cross-cultural influence comes from a renowned U.S. hospital that faced challenges with high surgical costs and lengthy patient waiting times. After engaging with Indian hospital administrators, the institution began to adopt a modified version of the Indian operational model. By streamlining pre-surgical assessments and implementing efficient post-operative care protocols, the hospital was able to cut costs by 30% and significantly reduce patient wait times. This success story not only highlighted the practical benefits of Indian healthcare practices but also demonstrated that cultural exchange in healthcare management is both feasible and beneficial. 

India’s healthcare system is renowned for delivering world-class treatments at a fraction of the cost found in developed nations. Narayana Health, led by renowned cardiac surgeon Dr. Devi Shetty, stands out as a prime example. This network of hospitals performs high-volume, low-cost cardiac surgeries—heart bypass surgeries in India can cost between USD 8,000 and USD 15,000, compared to over USD 150,000 in the United States. Narayana Health’s innovative model, which emphasizes standardized protocols, bulk procurement, and efficient resource management, has been a subject of extensive study by global health economists. American hospitals are now exploring similar strategies to reduce costs without compromising quality. 

Apollo Hospitals, another leading healthcare provider in India, has also built its reputation on efficiency and technological integration. By incorporating digital health records, telemedicine services, and streamlined operational processes, Apollo has managed to lower costs and improve patient outcomes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Apollo’s telemedicine services saw a significant uptick—reports indicate a near 100% increase in online consultations, showcasing how digital transformation can alleviate burdens on traditional healthcare infrastructures. Such successes have sparked interest among American administrators keen to harness technology to enhance efficiency and reduce the administrative overhead associated with complex insurance systems. 

Another story involves telemedicine. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Indian telehealth platforms, such as e-Sanjeevani, proved highly effective in reaching remote populations. The government-backed eSanjeevani telemedicine service, for example, has conducted over 30 million consultations since its inception. This platform enables rural and urban populations alike to access expert medical advice without the need for expensive and time-consuming travel. By reducing the physical barriers to healthcare, the platform has improved outcomes and reduced costs, demonstrating a scalable model that American healthcare systems—especially in rural areas—could adapt. Inspired by this, several U.S. states launched pilot telemedicine programs that mirrored the Indian approach, integrating digital consultations with in-person care. These programs have been particularly successful in rural areas, where distance and limited resources previously posed significant barriers to healthcare access. 

India is known as the "pharmacy of the world," producing over 50% of generic drugs globally. This manufacturing prowess is achieved through economies of scale, efficient supply chains, and rigorous quality standards. In the United States, where drug prices are notoriously high—some generics costing up to ten times more than their Indian counterparts—this model offers a blueprint for cost reduction. Collaborative efforts between American pharmaceutical companies and Indian manufacturers could lead to more affordable medications, ultimately easing the financial burden on patients. 

Medical tourism is another area where India’s healthcare system has set a global benchmark. Annually, around 750,000 international patients travel to India seeking high-quality treatment at significantly lower costs. The combination of skilled doctors, state-of-the-art facilities, and affordable pricing has made India an attractive destination for procedures ranging from cardiac surgery to oncology treatments. Some U.S. hospitals have initiated partnerships or exchange programs with Indian institutions, aiming to adopt similar cost-saving measures and improve their own operational efficiency. 

While the potential for Indianising American healthcare is vast, several challenges must be addressed. The U.S. healthcare system is deeply entrenched in a profit-driven model, and transitioning to a more inclusive, cost-effective system will require significant regulatory and cultural changes. Issues such as data privacy, standardization of care, and integration of diverse healthcare systems pose significant hurdles. However, the success of initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and Indian digital health platforms provides a roadmap for overcoming these challenges. 

Moreover, the collaboration between Indian and American healthcare systems could spur further innovations. Joint research ventures, exchange programs for healthcare professionals, and cross-border partnerships could create a fertile ground for developing new treatment protocols and technologies that benefit both nations. Such collaborations could lead to the development of hybrid models that blend the best elements of both systems—efficiency, affordability, and high-quality care. 

The concept of Indianising American healthcare is not about adopting a one-size-fits-all solution but about learning from the successes and innovations of a system that has proven capable of delivering affordable, inclusive care on a massive scale. The Ayushman Bharat scheme, with its digital infrastructure and expansive coverage, exemplifies how government-led initiatives can make healthcare accessible to millions. Meanwhile, the low-cost, efficient practices of Indian hospitals serve as a powerful counterpoint to the high expenditures of the U.S. system. 

As American healthcare grapples with rising costs and inequities, the lessons from India offer a beacon of hope. By embracing elements of the Indian model—universal coverage, cost-effective management, and innovative digital health solutions—American policymakers and healthcare providers can work toward a system that not only reduces financial burdens but also improves overall health outcomes. The journey to Indianise American healthcare is undoubtedly complex, but the potential rewards—a more equitable, efficient, and compassionate healthcare system—are well worth the effort. In short, we need to definitely draw inspiration from the person and the country which are there to inspire to enrich our lives.