Despite progress in healthcare infrastructure and policy reforms, India continues to face critical challenges in the primary healthcare sector. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)

Healthcare infrastructure has been a priority area under the Ayushman Bharat scheme but it has not yielded desired results in primary healthcare.

Progress in Healthcare Infrastructure

1. District level super-speciality hospitals in all states

2. Improvements in quality of equipments & machines

3. Better ambulances and para-medic support structures

Progress in Policy Reform

1. Focus on preventive healthcare in Ayushman Bharat scheme

2. Improving access to reports & diagnostics eg ABHA ids

3. Lack of awareness and education about healthy & sanitary practices

Challenges persist in primary Healthcare

1. High out of pocket expenditure in primary healthcare

2. Long distance to nearest hospital or health centre

3. Low better to patient ratio in rural areas

4. Lack of budgetary support to Health & wellness centres