In India, allopathic (western) and complementary and alternative medicine health-care practices (ayurveda, unani, siddah, and homeopathy) operate side by side. Many patients switch from one practice to another when relief is not adequate. Higher-quality public health-care system exists only in larger cities, but is virtually nonexistent in villages. The private health care, although unaffordable for many, is booming. The challenge before India is to make health care accessible for the majority of its people. Allopathic health care has emerged as one of the largest service sectors in India.

The proportion of insurance in health-care financing in India is very low. The extent of coverage as well as the type of coverage is key issues related to insurance penetration. Only around 10% of the population is covered through health financing schemes. Selection criteria by suppliers often restrict the poor (and more likely to be ill) from affordable prepayment schemes.