This paper argues that improving the response of the health system to meet the health care needs of Indian people and to make system ‘battle ready’ to address health emergencies requires a comprehensive reinvigoration of the existing health system and not just additional investments in the existing public health infrastructure as is being currently targeted. There is a need to develop a business model for strengthening the health system in the context of health system response to health care needs of the people and in terms of battle readiness of the system to deal with health emergencies. The paper presents an overview of the existing health system in India and outlines a business model for reinvigorating the health system of the country. The paper also suggests a framework for strengthening and expanding the health system, especially, the public health system in India.