Healthcare sector to be short of 45,000 docs by 2012

The healthcare industry of India will face a shortage of 45,000 doctors by 2012 and 3,50,000 nurses for primary and secondary care by 2015, with quality of services offered by the sector expected to deteriorate further, industry body Ficci has said.

A joint study on healthcare sector in India, conducted by industry body Ficci and research firm Ernst and Young, points out that if the problems are not addressed quickly and effectively then it could dampen the growth prospects of the sector, which is expected to grow at an annual rate of 15 per cent.

The analysis said the healthcare industry is one of the fastest growing services sectors and is set to fuel economic growth with opportunities in areas, including medical infrastructure, health insurance, telemedicine, medical equipment, medical textiles, clinical trials, medical value travel, training and education.

It said the healthcare spending in India could contribute 6.05 per cent of GDP and has the potential to employ around nine million people by 2012.

Some of the major findings reveal that revenues currently generated by private hospitals are going to more than double by 2012 at Rs 1,61,440 crore with a CAGR of 15 per cent. The Health Insurance sector premium will reach Rs 17,100 crore by 2012 as compared to Rs 3,199 crore in 2006.

The industry body said the current bed per thousand population ratio for India stands at 1.11 as against an average 4.3 globally and to achieve a target of 1.85 beds per thousand by 2012, an investment of Rs 7,790 crore is required. — PTI