Question

Explain the policy of Government of India regarding health.

Hint:

India’s National Health Policy aims to make healthcare accessible, affordable, and effective for all sections of society, with a particular focus on vulnerable and underserved populations.

Answer 1

Explanation: The Government of India has always placed a strong emphasis on the health of its citizens, and several policies have been introduced to improve the overall health standards in the country. The primary focus of India’s health policies has been to address issues like malnutrition, maternal and child health, sanitation, and the prevention and control of infectious diseases. National Health Policy (NHP): The National Health Policy (NHP) of India was first formulated in 1983, with an aim to provide universal access to healthcare services. The NHP aims to reduce the disparities in health service delivery and increase healthcare access in rural and remote areas. The 2002 version of the policy focused on increasing the private sector’s involvement in healthcare and establishing more efficient healthcare delivery systems. Recent Developments: India’s health policy has also evolved with the introduction of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in 2005, which aimed to improve healthcare infrastructure in rural areas, and the Ayushman Bharat scheme in 2018, aimed at providing health insurance coverage for vulnerable families. These initiatives have improved access to healthcare services, reduced health disparities, and focused on creating an efficient healthcare system. Impact: These policies have significantly reduced mortality rates, increased life expectancy, and improved health outcomes. However, challenges remain, such as the high burden of non-communicable diseases, shortage of healthcare professionals, and inadequate funding for the public health system.