Health at the time of demonetization

Health care is one of the key essential services to be traditionally impacted by financial turbulences. The Government of India announced the demonetization of INR 500 and INR 1000 currency notes in November 2016 to curb corruption and introduce economic transparency. The present commentary analyzes the impact of this economic reform on the availability/delivery of health-care services and also its transient effect on the general population availing such services during the first 2 weeks post demonetization. While print and electronic media indicated initial setback and displeasure with reference to delivery and access of health-care services, personal interaction with caregivers or patients suggested that there was no lasting adverse effect on health-care delivery. In fact, the enthusiasm for a cleaner economy meant for the greater good of the country prevailed among the general public and allowed them to bear these hardships. Our assessment suggests that demonetization and its consequential transition were viewed favorably. Financial and economic reforms initiated in the national interest can therefore be managed well with public support.