Caring for family seniors: Why tier-2 cities need better healthcare offerings

Considering the condition of aged patients, a number of hospitals such as Nayati Healthcare are working towards the improvement of healthcare quality in tier-2 cities

Medical expenses are arguably the biggest worry of any individual who is entering the retirement age bracket. In terms of life expectancy, the latest data by World Health Organization has ranked India at the 125^th position with the average age of 68.8 years– an alarming number. Although this number tends to vary with every individual due to environmental and lifestyle differences, healthcare offerings across the country must be at its best for ensuring the wellness of the beloved family seniors.

Medical sector, in the last decade, has witnessed significant improvement in terms of doctors, technologies, and treatment options. A 2019 study by IBEF shows that the inclusion of telemedicine, artificial intelligence driven machines, robotic surgeries, and other facets has led to a forecast that the technological domain of India’s medical sector could reach the evaluation of $9.6 billion by 2022. In addition, major metropolitan hospital chains have brought various international specialists on board in order to enhance the healthcare offerings for urban as well as international patients. But the question is: What about the tier-2, tier-3 cities of the country?

Nearly 70% of Indian population is concentrated in the hinterlands of the country. Due to the lack of adequate healthcare facilities in their town or neighboring regions, patients have to travel to the metro cities. And as this increases the percentage of health risks, it is directly responsible for the increasing the cost of healthcare. For people living in tier-2, tier-3 cities with a retirement plan, the overall experience of medical treatment becomes a hassle.

That said, there is a dire need of improving the accessibility of quality healthcare in the small cities – one that doesn’t burn through the individual’s retirement funds. For instance, Nayati Healthcare has made a name for itself in the affordable and reliable healthcare domain across Uttar Pradesh. Founded by Niira Radia, Chairperson of Nayati Healthcare, the objective of the hospital is to ensure the availability of experienced doctors, advanced technology, and modern treatment methods in the hinterlands of the country.

Speaking about the state of healthcare in tier-2 cities, Niira Radia said, “India is witness to skewed distribution of healthcare infrastructure, with most of the healthcare facilities concentrated in the metros. Patients from smaller towns often have to travel long distances along with their loved ones for treatment. This is a traumatic experience, especially for the aged and patients in emergency situation. When patients do not receive proper care at primary care centres, they spend excessive time and money for reaching proper tertiary healthcare services in metros, quite often resulting in deterioration in the patients’ condition. Nayati has embarked upon the pioneering journey of bringing the most advanced healthcare closer to the masses by setting up state-of-the-art hospitals in Mathura and Agra.”

Nayati Medicity, Mathura and Nayati Hospital, Agra are located on the National Highway 19 to provide immediate medical attention to accident and trauma victims. With veteran doctors, constantly upgrading medial technology, and 24×7 services such as ambulance, blood bank, etc, at an affordable cost, Niira Radia’s Nayati Healthcare is focused on the democratization of quality medical services from metropolitans to small cities.

Citing an excerpt from an article by The Economic Times, “Senior citizen pays about anywhere between Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000 each year in health insurance premiums, depending on the health of the insured and policy benefits. This is a huge amount. So, before you buy a health plan, assess your annual medical bills and required health care.” In spite of the fact that a plethora of insurance companies offer a range of medical covers for the elderly, the overall treatment cost and T&C minimally contribute to the improvement of healthcare offerings.  

(suggestive read: Upcoming Budget Discussions: How input tax credit can bolster the healthcare segment?)

As the statistics of life expectancy flag the serious concern over the lifestyle of people, it is expected that more hospital chains such as Niira Radia’s initiative surface and start contributing towards the restoration of balance between the accessibility and availability of quality healthcare in metropolitans and small cities of India.

Read more news and updates on Niira Radia and Nayati Healthcare.