In India, caregiving was traditionally concentrated in the large metropolitan areas. Tier-1 cities, which were the preferred location for cutting-edge medical services, included Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. However, with a growing middle class, healthcare investments, along with new developments in technology, tier-2 cities are fast on the heels of tier-1 cities in vying to become healthcare hubs. These cities, including Patna, Lucknow, and Coimbatore, lure patients who seek quality medical services closer to their homes, thus reducing the need for the journey to these metro cities.
The Shifting Landscape of Healthcare
Due to their superior infrastructure, greater number of specialists, and state-of-the-art technology, large cities have historically had better healthcare facilities. But these cities’ congestion has led to crowded hospitals, lengthy wait times, and rising costs. As a result, there is a need for high-quality healthcare services in smaller cities, which serve the growing populations in nearby rural and semi-urban areas.
Government initiatives (for example, the Ayushman Bharat scheme to help make healthcare affordable and accessible) and private investments (through hospital chains like Apollo, Fortis, Medanta) have been critical to upgrading healthcare in tier-2 cities. Tier-2 cities will thereby become India’s next major centers for healthcare.
A Real-Life Example: The Case of Patna
One of the best examples of what tier-2 cities can do is Patna, Bihar. Prior to a few years ago, the majority of Bihar patients needed to travel to Delhi or Kolkata for more advanced care, which came at a significant financial and emotional expense. The scenario is however much different now with hospitals like AIIMS Patna, Medanta and Ruban Memorial Hospital being set up.
Take for example Ravi Kumar, a 50-year-old Muzaffarpur, Bihar businessman. Ravi had a heart attack and was initially taken to a local hospital near his hometown. The family then took him to Medanta Hospital in Patna for specialised treatment rather than bringing him to Delhi. The hospital had state-of-the-art cardiac facilities, and within a few hours of reaching there, Ravi underwent angioplasty. With the total cost of treatment far lower than the amount they would have paid in Delhi, besides avoiding logistical complications of travelling to a metro city.
Ravi’s tale demonstrates how tier-2 cities are becoming more capable of competently and effectively managing complicated medical problems.
Factors Driving Tier-2 Cities’ Rise as Healthcare Hubs
1. Improved Infrastructure:
Investments are also being made in multispecialty hospitals in tier-2 cities that have treatment centres and state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. As a result, they can handle both common and serious cases.
2. Cost-Effectiveness:
Healthcare services are 30–40% cheaper in tier-2 cities as compared to metros, this makes it an attractive option for middle-income families.
3. Access to Specialists:
More and more doctors are moving to tier-2 cities because of a better work-life balance and lesser competition, which means patients can avail of highly skilled specialists in their own locality.
4. Government Policies:
Some programs such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) and state-level initiatives have improved the affordability and accessibility of health care for millions, resulting in hospitals venturing to smaller towns.
5. Medical Tourism:
Providing reasonably priced, top-notch care for foreign patients in specialties like orthopedics, cardiology, and cosmetic surgery, Tier-2 cities are increasingly emerging as major hubs for medical tourism.
Barriers to Tackle
But there are still a lot of obstacles to overcome:
1. Lack of Skilled Workers: Despite infrastructure improvements, the availability of highly qualified healthcare staff in tier-2 cities remains inadequate.
2. Trust and Awareness: Many patients from rural areas still prefer metro areas because they believe they offer better care.
3. Emergency Services: Offering robust emergency care, such as trauma centers and ambulance services, should be prioritized.
4. Upholding Standards: Regular audits and quality inspections are essential to ensuring that these institutions meet international healthcare standards.
Ensure the future Solutions
1. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): In tier-2 cities, collaboration between the public and private sectors can speed up the development of first-rate medical facilities.
2. Telemedicine Integration: Patients and doctors may be able to converse more successfully if telemedicine is used to connect rural populations to specialists in tier-2 cities.
3. Medical Education and Training: Establishing more nursing and medical schools in tier-2 cities is one strategy to address the shortage of skilled labor.
4. Awareness Campaigns: Local hospitals may win people’s trust by educating them about the quality and availability of healthcare services in their community.
In conclusion
Tier-2 cities have the potential to revolutionize India’s healthcare system. With the right funding, policies, and public awareness, these cities can provide high-quality, affordable healthcare while also relieving the burden on metropolitan hospitals. The history of cities like Patna demonstrates that the transition is actually happening and not just a possibility.
Focusing on tier-2 cities as healthcare hubs will help India ensure that its healthcare system meets the needs of a diverse and expanding population. The time to take action is now for a more equitable and healthy future.
