The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical vulnerabilities within the Indian healthcare system, marked by insufficient beds, scarce medical supplies, and stark rural-urban disparities PMC+1ResearchGate+1. Despite the rise in public health expenditure from around 1.8% to over 2.1% of GDP between FY2020 21 and FY2022 MDPI, India continues to depend heavily on private healthcare providers, who account for approximately 62% of hospital beds PMCMDPI. Between 2010 and 2021, the number of allopathic doctors increased from 0.83 million to 1.3 million, while the sector employed 4.7 million people by 2021 PMCMDPI. This mixed healthcare landscape, characterized by issues like long wait times in public hospitals and the rising appeal of private facilities, reflects deeper systemic inequities, especially in rural areas PMCMDPI. This study synthesizes key challenges—including infrastructure deficits, workforce shortages, and policy constraints—and explores how public–private coexistence and regional disparities influence healthcare access and outcomes in India. The findings aim to inform strategies for strengthening healthcare infrastructure, enhancing rural access, and ensuring equitable distribution of services.