India and many other emerging countries face an uphill task of providing healthcare on an equitable basis to all irrespective of their ability to pay. This is in stark contrast to many developed countries, where good healthcare is guaranteed for all its citizens. Barring a few exceptions, outside the realm of eyecare, there have been few success stories with regard to addressing the healthcare needs for other medical specialities. This report seeks to understand the barriers and enablers for providing equitable healthcare across various medical specialities. The insights have been garnered through primary research based on discussions with over 30 leaders spanning different organizations, medical specialities, and geographies in India. The key learning from this research is that it is possible to do good, while also doing well.

Impact: This study identifies acknowledging and measuring equity as one of the key aspects of equity in healthcare delivery. To deliver equitable healthcare, healthcare organizations need to recognize the inequities in the health of the communities and delivery of healthcare. Further, the inequities vary from one place to another.

Theme: Promoting equitable healthcare in a sustainable manner

Funder: Ernst & Young as part of the EY-IEMS Grant 2018–2019

Authors: D V R Seshadri, Devendra Tayade, Prakash Satyavageeswaran, Thulasiraj Ravilla