HOSPITALADMINISTRATION IN INDIA: FROM PUBLIC LEGACY TO DIGITAL FUTURE

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of hospital administration in India from the early 1990s to 2025, highlighting key transitions in infrastructure, management practices, regulatory frameworks, and technology adoption. It traces the shift from governmentdominated, resource-constrained institutions to a diverse ecosystem of public, private, and not-for-profit hospitals increasingly shaped by professional management, digital health innovations, and public-private partnerships. The study explores major policy milestones—including the Clinical Establishments Act, Ayushman Bharat, and NABH accreditation—and assesses their impact on licensing, quality assurance, and patient rights. It also examines persistent challenges such as human resource shortages, rural-urban disparities, financial sustainability, and compliance complexity. Case studies illustrate successful reforms in digital transformation, telemedicine, and staff wellness. Looking ahead, the article identifies emerging trends in AI integration, value-based care, climate action, and governance innovation, offering strategic insights for building resilient, patient-centric, and future-ready hospital systems in India.