Relax FAR for healthcare: ASSOCHAM

New Delhi, Nov 23 (IBNS) Industry body ASSOCHAM on Wednesday called for substantial relaxation in the floor area ratio (FAR) for medical facilities while revising the Delhi Master Plan 2021, saying the burgeoning population and non-availability of adequate healthcare services are leading to rise in casualties.

The plan calls for minimum land requirement of 25,000 square metres for a 500-bed hospital. Delhi is already facing land scarcity and current norms are not encouraging private investments in healthcare sector to the extent required, said The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).

"Though some new medical facilities are coming up around Delhi, the state of medical infrastructure within the city is quite sad," said secretary general D.S. Rawat in communication to the union and state ministers for health and family welfare, and the Planning Commission.

"Residential areas lack modern facilities and emergency cases do not get timely attention due to growing patient traffic. The situation is getting worse by the day."

Sophisticated healthcare facilities with IT-enabled analytical systems have revolutionised the field of medicine. But sadly, the land availability and permissible height under FAR remain a key challenge.

"The commercial component allowed for hospitals should also be increased to 20 per cent, like for hotels," said Rawat. "This will considerably reduce charges for medical treatment and help businesses expand new facilities to cater to the rising demand."

He said the Delhi Master Plan 2021 should incentivise private investments with right policies as the city has emerged as a leading hub for medical tourism in the country.

According to the World Health Organisation, India needs a modern healthcare system which would require a large percentage of GDP spending if it aspires to become an economic superpower. The country invests only one per cent of GDP in primary healthcare centres and has an average of 0.6 doctors per 1,000 people against the global average of 1.23.

Nearly 75 per cent of healthcare investments in recent years have come from private sector. Industry experts say the bed-patient ratio and GDP spending on healthcare are worsening.

ASSOCHAM believes healthcare should be treated as an infrastructure industry for tax exemptions. The PPP model is ideal to bridge the demand-supply gap. Private sector expertise coupled with efficiencies in operation and maintenance will lead to improved healthcare services delivery for people.