New Delhi, October 21, 2026: India has secured the third position globally in the Ipsos Quality of Care Perception Index 2026, highlighting positive public perceptions of healthcare quality, access to doctors and pharmacies, and trust in the healthcare system.
The findings are part of the Ipsos Health Service Report 2026, which surveyed adults across 32 countries to assess public views on healthcare quality, accessibility, trust and the major challenges facing health systems.
68% of Indians Rate Healthcare Quality Positively
According to Ipsos, 68% of Indian respondents rated the quality of healthcare available to them as good, significantly exceeding the survey’s overall average of 45% across the 32 countries.
The result places India among the highest-ranked countries for public perceptions of healthcare quality. However, the index measures people’s opinions and experiences rather than directly evaluating clinical outcomes, hospital performance or treatment success.
Access to Doctors and Pharmacies Scores Highly
India also recorded strong results in perceived access to healthcare services.
The survey found that 73% of Indian respondents said they could easily get an appointment with a doctor, indicating a positive assessment of access to medical professionals.
Access to pharmacies received an even higher rating, with 81% saying they could easily access a pharmacy. These findings highlight areas in which respondents expressed confidence in the availability of essential healthcare services.
64% Express Trust in the Healthcare System
Trust was another important factor in India’s overall performance. Ipsos reported that 64% of Indian respondents trusted the healthcare system to provide them with the best treatment when needed.
The result reflects relatively strong public confidence, although perceptions of trust do not necessarily indicate that every patient receives the same standard of care.
Affordability Remains a Major Challenge
Despite positive ratings for quality and accessibility, healthcare affordability continues to be a concern in India.
According to the survey, 42% of Indian respondents identified the cost of accessing treatment as a major healthcare problem. The finding highlights the continuing challenge of making quality medical services affordable and accessible to people across different income groups.
Mental Health Tops Global Health Concerns
The Ipsos report also examined the health issues respondents consider most pressing worldwide.
Across the 32 countries surveyed, 48% identified mental health as one of the biggest health problems facing their country. Cancer, stress and obesity were also among the commonly cited concerns.
The findings underline the growing importance of mental health awareness, prevention and access to appropriate care.
Healthcare Systems Face Pressure Worldwide
The survey found that 64% of respondents globally believed their country’s healthcare system was overstretched.
Long waiting times and difficulties accessing treatment were among the frequently reported challenges, with concerns particularly evident in several European countries.
These findings suggest that pressure on healthcare services remains a widespread issue, even in countries where public healthcare systems are well established.
Ranking Measures Perception, Not Medical Outcomes
India’s third-place ranking should be understood in the context of the index’s methodology. It reflects public perceptions of healthcare quality, accessibility and trust, rather than serving as a definitive assessment of medical outcomes or healthcare infrastructure.
International healthcare rankings use different indicators and methodologies, meaning their results can vary considerably. India’s position in the Ipsos index should therefore not be interpreted as placing the country third on every measure of healthcare performance.
Survey Highlights Progress and Persistent Gaps
The Ipsos findings indicate that many Indian respondents have positive views of healthcare quality and access to doctors and pharmacies. At the same time, concerns about treatment costs remain significant.
As healthcare demand continues to grow, improving affordability alongside quality and accessibility will remain an important challenge for India’s healthcare system.
Source: Ipsos Health Service Report 2026
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