Udupi: Social activist Satwaadi Mithun Shetty, proprietor of New Medicals, Kundapur, has submitted a policy proposal titled ‘One Nation, One Health’ (ONOH) to the Union and state govts, seeking a single, universal health insurance scheme offering completely free healthcare to every Indian citizen, irrespective of caste, age, gender, income or medical condition.The proposal has been sent to the Prime Minister’s Office, Union ministry of health and family welfare, the President’s secretariat and other govt authorities.The ONOH plan calls for free, comprehensive healthcare for all through a unified national programme managed by a single authority and funded through a common national health fund. “No Indian should have to pay out of pocket for healthcare,” Shetty said.He said India’s healthcare system remains fragmented, leaving millions without adequate financial protection. Citing estimates, he said about 59% of India’s 146-crore population is covered under some form of health insurance, while nearly 60 crore people remain uninsured. Govt-sponsored schemes account for around 49% of coverage, while private insurance covers about 10%.Shetty flagged rising medical inflation, unaffordable premiums, frequent rejection of insurance claims on technical grounds, and mounting healthcare-related debt as major concerns. Referring to available estimates and data, he said medical expenses continue to push families into debt, while more than one lakh people died by suicide due to health-related financial distress between 2020 and 2025.He also said citizens are increasingly turning to crowdfunding platforms and community fundraisers to meet medical expenses, arguing that no Indian should be forced to seek public donations for life-saving treatment.According to the proposal, nearly 150 central and state health schemes currently operate simultaneously, leading to duplication, administrative inefficiency and varying eligibility conditions. Existing schemes are often restricted by income limits, age criteria, hospital empanelment and inadequate procedure rates, while employer-sponsored insurance ceases when an employee leaves a job.Shetty has proposed creating a National Health Authority (NHA) to administer ONOH and a National Health Fund financed by the Centre, states and corporate CSR contributions. He has also urged the govt to merge all existing central and state insurance schemes, including Ayushman Bharat, ESIC and corporate programmes, into a single nationwide system. Article 21 guarantees the Right to Life, he said, adding that the Supreme Court has held that it includes the right to live with dignity.
