The Union Health Ministry has urged states to make snakebites a Notifiable Disease, meaning both private and public hospitals must report it to the government.
Snakebites Menace in India:
Snakebites are a significant public health concern in India, with approximately 3 to 4 millioncases reported annually.
It causes an estimated 58,000 deaths every year, according to the 2020 Indian Million Death Study.
States such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat report the highest number of snakebites.
The National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE), launched by the government earlier in 2024, aims to halve snakebite deaths by 2030 and includes making snakebites notifiable.
What are Notifiable Diseases?
Notifiable diseases are those that must be reported to the government for effective public health monitoring and management. These are typically:
Infectious diseases likely to cause outbreaks.
Diseases that result in deaths or require quick action to prevent wider transmission.
Legal Basis:
According to WHO’s International Health Regulations, 1969, disease reporting is mandatory for global surveillance.
The primary law governing notifiable diseases is the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 which outlines the reporting requirements for diseases considered a public health threat.
However, the specific list of notifiable diseases can vary across different states and is typically determined by the respective state governments under their individual public health acts.
Common examples of notifiable diseases include tuberculosis, HIV, cholera, malaria, dengue, and hepatitis.
Why snakebite is considered a Notifiable Disease?
Snakebites can cause severe health issues, including paralysis, fatal hemorrhages, and tissue damage, making it crucial for timely intervention.
Victims need immediate antivenom treatment to prevent death and long-term effects.
In 2009, the WHO added snakebite to its list of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD), acknowledging its widespread impact on public health.
Making snakebites a notifiable disease will enhance surveillance, help track case numbers, and improve treatment strategies across the country.
It will ensure the availability of adequate antivenoms in regions where snakebites are frequent.
Medical staff will receive training to handle snakebite cases effectively, reducing mortality rates.
The Government has empowered Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to operate Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJK), aiming to provide generic medicines at affordable prices to underserved rural areas.
AboutPradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJK) by PACS:
Details
PMBJKs were established in November 2008.
Government-established outlets that provide affordable, quality generic medicines.
Operated by PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies) in rural areas.
PACS are empowered to run these Kendras to ensure accessibility in remote regions under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).
Aims and Objectives
To provide affordable medicines, promote healthcare equity, and reduce medical expenses for farmers, while generating local employment and ensuring PACS’ financial sustainability through the sale of medicines and allied products.
Structural Mandate and Implementation
Administered by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers;
Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) is the implementation agency.
Implementation:
PACS receive technical and administrative support from the Department of Pharmaceuticals.
PACS leverage their existing infrastructure, including land, buildings, and storage, to run the Kendras.
PACS-run Kendras receive a 20% incentiveon monthly purchases, capped at Rs. 20,000 per month.
Kendra owners receive a 20% margin on MRP (excluding taxes).
They can sell allied medical products.
Features and Significance
Affordable Medicine Distribution: Ensures that generic medicines are affordable in rural areas.
Economic and Healthcare Benefits: Reduces medical costs and improves healthcare outcomes for farmers.
Alignment with National Health Policy: Supports equitable healthcare access, especially in remote areas.
Strengthening Rural Infrastructure: Utilizes PACS’ infrastructure to boost rural healthcare.
PYQ:
[2015] Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector could help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives would you suggest?
The University Grants Commission (UGC) released the Draft UGC (Minimum Standards of Instructions in the Award of UG and PG Degrees) 2024 to bring sweeping reforms in India’s higher education sector.
The new regulations will apply to all Central, State, Private, and Deemed Universities across India.
Back2Basics: University Grants Commission (UGC)
UGC was inaugurated in 1953 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, then Minister of Education.
it was established as a statutory body in November 1956 under the UGC Act 1956.
The Sargeant Report (1944) recommended a University Grants Committee, established in 1945, initially handling all universities by 1947.
Post-independence, the University Education Commission (1948) under Dr. S Radhakrishnan proposed reorganizing the committee along the lines of the UK’s University Grants Commission.
A proposal to replace UGC with the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) is under consideration.
UGC handles:
Providing funds to higher education institutions.
Coordination, determination, and maintenance of academic standards.
About the Draft UGC Regulations, 2024:
Aims and Objectives
To reform India’s higher education system.
To introduce flexibility, multidisciplinary learning, and inclusivity in higher education while removing disciplinary rigidities.
Key Provisions and Features
Biannual Admissions: Institutions can admit students twice a year (July/August and January/February).
Multiple Entry and Exit: Students can enter or exit their programs multiple times, with continuous assessments, recognition of prior learning, and the possibility to pursue two programs at the same time.
Flexibility for Students: Students can choose any discipline for UG and PG programs, irrespective of their background, subject to clearing entrance exams (e.g., CUET or university-specific exams).
Minimum Attendance Requirement: Institutions will set the minimum attendance based on program-specific requirements and statutory approvals, in line with the NEP 2020.
UG Degree Credits: At least 50% of credits must be earned in the major discipline for an undergraduate degree. The remaining 50% credits can be from skill courses, apprenticeships, or multidisciplinary subjects.
Duration of Degrees: UG degrees can be completed in 3 to 4 years, depending on the course structure. PG degrees will typically take 1 to 2 years, though they can be longer or shorter based on the program.
Accelerated and Extended Degree Programs:
ADP (Accelerated Degree Programs): Allows students to complete their degree in a shorter duration while covering the full curriculum.
EDP (Extended Degree Programs): Extends the duration for students who need more time to complete the program.
Up to 10% of the sanctioned intake can be earmarked for ADP. Students can choose ADP or EDP by the end of the first or second semester.
ADP/EDP degrees will include a note specifying the adjusted duration, while ensuring the full academic content is covered.
Postgraduate Eligibility: Students completing a four-year undergraduate degree (Hons./Research, BTech, BE) will be eligible for a two-year postgraduate program.
PYQ:
[2012] Which of the following provisions of the Constitution does India have a bearing on Education?
Directive Principles of State Policy
Rural and Urban Local Bodies
Fifth Schedule
Sixth Schedule
Seventh Schedule
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3, 4 and 5 only
(c) 1, 2 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Q) Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC CSE 2015)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have asked questions around the Public Health Policies (2017) and Newer Health Challenges (2020 and 2022).
India is aiming for real-time public health monitoring platforms National Health Mission Health Management Information System (NHM-HMIS), and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP)to enhance surveillance, monitoring, and resource allocation at primary healthcare levels.
Today’s editorial reflects on the historical context of the Bombay Plague of 1896 and its implications for contemporary public health practices. This content can be used as a case study while exchanging ideas on ‘Public Health Policies and challenges in India’.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
There are ongoing discussions in Parliament around public health strategies in the wake of recent health crises, including the past COVID-19 pandemic.
By reflecting on historical lessons from the Bombay 1896 plague outbreak, we can analyze the significance of community engagement, comprehensive disease management strategies, and ethical considerations in health interventions.
What were the Public Health Measures implemented by Britishers and how effective were they?
• Quarantine and Isolation: Infected individuals were forcibly removed from their homes and taken to plague hospitals or camps, where they were often separated from their families. This included door-to-door searches conducted by soldiers to identify the sick. • Destruction of Property: Personal belongings and houses of the infected were often burned and demolished which led to substantial loss of property for many residents. • Sanitation Campaigns: A large-scale sanitation initiative was launched, which included flushing sewers with seawater, washing streets with lime, and disinfecting homes. o Special camps were established for the treatment of the infected but often faced criticism for poor conditions and high mortality rates. • Legislative Measures: The Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897 was enacted, granting authorities extensive powers to enforce health measures, including movement restrictions and compulsory examinations.
Were they effective? • Limited Success: The death toll exceeded 33,000 within a short period, indicating that these strategies did not sufficiently curb the outbreak. • Social Backlash: Reports of disrespect during inspections and inadequate hospital conditions fueled anger, resulting in protests and even violent incidents against medical personnel. • Migration and Spread: Many residents fled Bombay in response to the plague and government actions, which inadvertently contributed to the spread of the disease beyond urban areas. • Long-term Impact: While some improvements in urban infrastructure and public health policies emerged post-plague, many immediate measures were criticized for their insensitivity to local customs and needs.
What was positive in this policy implementation despite the criticism?
Emphasis on control over cases: The Indian Plague Commission’s approach during the 1896 Bombay Plague focused significantly on controlling the movement of people and the spread of the disease rather than directly addressing the health needs of affected individuals. Focus Areas were:
Railway Plague Inspection Stations Map (to monitor the movement of people) focused on railway networks and inspection points.
Chausa Observation Camp Plan detailed layouts of observation camps that reflected a militarized approach to quarantine with prominent police presence.
Khanpur Station Map illustrated disinfection zones and highlighted the role of police in maintaining control over these areas.
Cartographic Approach and Its Consequences: The maps were unusually colorful for administrative reports, possibly to convey a sense of effective control while downplaying the epidemic’s severity.The emphasis moved from identifying who was affected by the plague to understanding where the disease could potentially spread.
Prioritization of State Control: The Commission’s focus on control points indicated a prioritization of state mechanisms for surveillance rather than an understanding of epidemiological factors or community health requirements.
This approach raised concerns about the adequacy of public health responses that prioritized state security over effective disease management and community welfare.
What lessons can contemporary public health systems learn from the Bombay Plague?
Community Engagement: Effective public health responses must include community cooperation. The mistrust generated by colonial policies highlights the need for transparent communication and involvement of local leaders in health initiatives.
Comprehensive Disease Management: The outbreak underscored the importance of not only immediate medical responses but also long-term strategies addressing underlying social determinants of health such as poverty and sanitation.
Ethical Considerations: The harsh measures taken during the plague raise ethical questions regarding public health interventions. Balancing individual rights with community safety remains a critical challenge for public health officials today.
Historical Reflection: Understanding past epidemics can inform current practices. The Bombay Plague illustrates how historical narratives shape contemporary health policies and societal attitudes toward disease management.
December 3, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, promotes awareness of their rights, inclusion, and needs, emphasizing support for one of the world’s most marginalized and underrepresented communities.
What are the barriers faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing nutrition services?
Physical Accessibility: Many individuals with disabilities face challenges in accessing physical locations where nutrition services are provided, such as grocery stores or health clinics. This includes barriers like lack of ramps, inaccessible transportation, and inadequate facilities.
Lack of Knowledge and Skills: Individuals with disabilities may have limited knowledge about nutrition and cooking skills, which can hinder their ability to prepare healthy meals. This is often compounded by the need for assistance from caregivers who may not be well-informed about nutritional needs.
Financial Constraints: Economic factors play a significant role; many individuals with disabilities experience financial instability, limiting their ability to purchase nutritious food. This is particularly true in low-income households where resources are scarce.
Social Isolation and Stigma: People with disabilities often face social isolation and stigma, which can affect their access to community resources and support networks that provide nutritional assistance or education.
Complex Health Needs: Many individuals with disabilities have specific dietary requirements or face challenges related to feeding, swallowing, or digestion, making it difficult to meet their nutritional needs without tailored support.
Inadequate Public Health Support: In many regions, public health systems fail to provide adequate nutritional support for individuals with disabilities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where resources may be limited.
How can nutrition programs be adapted to ensure they are inclusive of individuals with disabilities?
Tailored Nutritional Education: Nutrition programs should include educational components that cater specifically to the needs of individuals with disabilities, focusing on accessible cooking methods and meal planning that accommodate various dietary restrictions.
Accessible Service Delivery: Programs should ensure that nutrition services are delivered in accessible locations and formats, including home visits for those unable to travel or online platforms for remote consultations.
Community Engagement: Involving individuals with disabilities in the design and implementation of nutrition programs can help ensure that their unique needs are met. This could include feedback mechanisms to adapt services based on community input.
Training for Caregivers: Providing training for caregivers on the specific nutritional needs of individuals with disabilities can enhance meal preparation and dietary management at home.
Financial Assistance Programs: Implementing subsidies or financial assistance programs can help alleviate the economic burden on families caring for individuals with disabilities, enabling them to purchase healthier food options.
Integration with Health Services: Nutrition programs should be integrated with broader health services to provide comprehensive support that addresses both nutritional needs and overall health outcomes.
What role do Anganwadi workers play in promoting disability inclusion in their communities?
Early Identification and Referral: Anganwadi workers play a crucial role in the early identification of disabilities among children through monitoring developmental milestones and referring families to appropriate health services.
Community Education: They engage communities through initiatives like podcasts (e.g., “Nanhe Farishtey”) to raise awareness about disabilities and promote inclusive practices within local settings.
Nutrition Service Delivery: As frontline community nutrition providers, Anganwadi workers deliver vital nutrition services tailored to the needs of children with disabilities, ensuring they receive adequate dietary support.
Collaboration with Other Health Workers: Anganwadi workers collaborate with Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers to create a network of support for families dealing with disabilities, facilitating access to medical care and government benefits.
Capacity Building: Ongoing training on disability inclusion through protocols like the ‘Anganwadi Protocol for Divyang Children’ equips workers with the knowledge necessary to support children with disabilities effectively.
Advocacy for Rights and Resources: They advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities within their communities, helping families navigate available resources such as disability certificates and pensions.
Way forward:
Strengthen Inclusive Infrastructure and Services: Develop accessible infrastructure, including Anganwadi centres and transportation, while integrating nutrition programs with health services to provide tailored support for individuals with disabilities.
Empower Community and Frontline Workers: Enhance training for Anganwadi workers and caregivers, promote community engagement to address stigma, and ensure financial support for families to improve access to nutritious food and essential services.
Mains PYQ:
Q The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document without intense sensitisation of government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment. (UPSC IAS/2022)
The recent cardiac arrest and subsequent death of a Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus driver while on duty has sparked conversations about worsening health outcomes in urban areas.
What are the primary risk factors contributing to the rising NCD burden in urban areas?
High-Stress Work Environments: Many urban workers, including bus drivers, face high levels of stress due to long hours, erratic schedules, and demanding job conditions.
The BMTC study indicated that over 40% of its employees aged 45-60 are at risk for cardiovascular diseases, exacerbated by factors like continuous driving and poor eating habits.
Poor Nutrition and Lifestyle: Workers often lack access to healthy food options and exercise opportunities, leading to increased rates of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.
The BMTC workforce has shown alarming rates of these conditions, which are often linked to lifestyle choices made under stressful work conditions.
Lack of Health Insurance and Support: Many informal workers do not have health insurance or access to regular health screenings. This lack of support can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment of NCDs, increasing the risk of severe health events like heart attacks.
Socioeconomic Marginalization: A significant portion of the urban population lives in slums or informal settlements, where access to healthcare is limited. This socioeconomic status contributes to poor health outcomes and a higher prevalence of NCDs.
How can urban health systems be strengthened to effectively manage NCDs?
Improving Access to Primary Healthcare: Urban health systems must focus on making primary healthcare services more accessible to marginalized communities. This includes expanding facilities in underserved areas and ensuring that services are affordable and culturally appropriate.
Implementing Regular Health Screenings: Regular health evaluations for high-risk populations, such as bus drivers and other transport workers, should be mandated. These screenings can help identify risk factors early on and facilitate timely interventions.
Integrating Health Services with Employment Policies: Employers should collaborate with health departments to create programs that promote employee wellness, including stress management workshops and nutrition education tailored for their workforce.
Community-Based Health Promotion: Local organizations can play a crucial role in educating communities about NCD risks and promoting healthy lifestyles through workshops and outreach programs that engage residents directly.
What role do public awareness and community engagement play in combating NCDs?
Raising Awareness About NCD Risks: Public campaigns can educate individuals about the importance of regular health screenings and lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of NCDs. Awareness initiatives can empower communities to take charge of their health.
Encouraging Community Participation: Engaging community members in health promotion activities fosters a sense of ownership over their health outcomes. Community-led initiatives can effectively address local health issues by tailoring solutions to specific needs.
Utilizing Technology for Monitoring Health: Digital tools can facilitate real-time monitoring of health metrics for at-risk populations, enabling proactive management of conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
Creating Support Networks: Building networks among workers can provide emotional support and share resources for managing health issues collectively, which is particularly beneficial for those facing similar challenges in high-stress jobs.
Way forward:
Strengthen Urban Primary Healthcare: Expand access to affordable and culturally relevant primary health services, implement regular screenings for high-risk groups, and integrate wellness programs with employment policies for vulnerable workers.
Promote Community-Led Health Initiatives: Engage local organizations and residents to raise awareness about NCD risks, encourage healthy lifestyles, and utilize digital tools for real-time health monitoring and proactive care.
Mains PYQ:
Q “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. (UPSC IAS/2021)
Q) National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (UPSC CSE 2020)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have focused on the ‘Primary Education System’ (in 2016), ‘Quality of technical and higher education’ (in 2015), and ‘Education system in India’ (2021).
Reports indicate that while the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) for higher education is projected to reach 50% by 2035, significant gaps still exist in terms of quality and inclusivity. While India is making strides in liberal education, challenges still exist with the issues of inequality and elitism.
Today’s editorial highlights the often-overlooked value of liberal arts education in today’s job market and society. This content can be used to present the key arguments emphasizing liberal arts education for its long-term benefits, career adaptability, and essential skills development.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
There is an ongoing debate regarding the value of liberal arts education in the context of rising tuition costs, changing job market demands, and shifting perceptions about higher education.
What are the long-term benefits of a liberal arts education in today’s job market?
Versatile Skill Set: Liberal arts programs equip students with a broad range of transferable skills, including critical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities.
According to the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), 93% of employers prioritize these skills over specific majors when hiring.
Career Flexibility and Adaptability: The nature of the job market is changing rapidly, where liberal arts education fosters adaptability, allowing graduates to pivot into different fields as needed.
This flexibility is crucial as new job roles emerge and traditional ones evolve, ensuring that liberal arts graduates remain relevant and employable.
Long-Term Economic Benefits: While liberal arts graduates may start with lower salaries but many studies show that by mid-career, liberal arts majors can earn comparable or even higher salaries than those in professional STEM fields.
Cultural Awareness and Ethical Reasoning: Graduates develop nuanced diverse cultures and ethical perspectives that enable them to engage thoughtfully with international issues and contribute meaningfully to discussions on complex societal challenges.
Lifelong Learning and Research Skills: The curriculum of liberal arts education encourages graduates to learn to gather, analyze, and interpret information effectively, which is invaluable in any professional setting. This commitment to lifelong learning helps them stay competitive and relevant throughout their careers.
How does this education prepare students for an unpredictable future?
Embracing Uncertainty: A liberal arts education instills a mindset that views uncertainties like the 2008 recession period as an opportunity for growth and exploration.
Graduates are equipped to thrive in environments characterized by change and ambiguity, making them well-suited for careers that require continuous learning and adaptation.
Social Responsibility and Ethical Awareness: Finally, a liberal arts education fosters a sense of social responsibility. Students are encouraged to engage with their communities and consider the ethical implications of their decisions.
This awareness is critical as society faces complex global challenges that require thoughtful leaders who can navigate moral dilemmas while advocating for social justice and sustainability.
What misconceptions exist about employability in India?
Liberal Arts Graduates are Unemployable: Many believe a liberal arts degree leads to guaranteed unemployment. Despite a reported 47.1% employability rate among arts graduates in 2024, this statistic often overlooks the diverse career paths available to them, such as roles in marketing, journalism, and education.
For example, Graduates from institutions like Ashoka University have secured placements in prestigious companies such as McKinsey and American Express, demonstrating that liberal arts degrees can lead to successful careers.
Liberal Arts Education is only for Wealthy Students: There is a misconception that liberal arts education is an exclusive privilege for affluent students. However, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to make higher education more inclusive, promoting interdisciplinary studies across various socio-economic backgrounds.
Liberal Arts Degrees Lack Marketable Skills: Another common belief is that liberal arts graduates lack marketable skills. However, a report by the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) indicates that these graduates are often better prepared for roles requiring critical thinking and adaptability, which are essential in today’s job market.
For instance, business analysts with a liberal arts background leverage their critical thinking abilities to improve organizational processes, earning competitive salaries
Way Forward: India’s education system is increasingly fruitful in delivering liberal and globalized knowledge through initiatives like the NEP 2020 and the growth of private liberal arts institutions. However, it faces challenges related to access and equity compared to more established systems in countries like the United States. Continued efforts are needed to ensure that all students can benefit from this evolving educational landscape.
PYQ Relevance: Q) Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain. (UPSC CSE 2018)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have always focused on ‘Inclusive Healthcare Infrastructure’ (in 2020), ‘Effective Implementation of Healthcare Policies’ (in 2017), ‘Universal Health Coverage Programs’ (in 2015).
Corneal blindness is a significant public health issue in India, contributing to approximately 15% to 20% of total blindness cases. With an estimated 1.2 million people affected and 20,000 to 25,000 new cases emerging annually, the urgency for effective solutions is paramount.
Today’s editorial explores the current challenges and proposes a comprehensive approach to address corneal blindness in India. This content can be used to present ‘Public Health challenges’ and to suggest some ‘innovative solutions to address Public Health’ in India.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The Report titled “India’s corneal blindness crisis” published by India Today, highlights the increasing incidence of corneal blindness, particularly in rural areas, and discusses the contributing factors such as limited access to healthcare and a shortage of donor corneas.
What are the key findings from these reports?
• Rising Incidence: Corneal blindness is increasing in India, with estimates of 20,000 to 25,000 new cases annually. This condition accounts for approximately 7.5% of total blindness cases in the country, significantly impacting rural populations where access to eye care is limited. • Demographics and Causes: The causes of corneal blindness have shifted from infectious diseases like keratitis to eye trauma and complications. Factors such as vitamin A deficiency, poor hygiene, and delayed medical interventions exacerbate the problem, particularly affecting children and working-age adults in rural areas. • Healthcare Disparities: Many individuals in rural regions lack access to quality eye care services, leading to irreversible corneal damage before they seek help. There is a notable gap in training and resources for healthcare providers, limiting their ability to effectively manage and treat corneal conditions. • Shortage of Donor Corneas: Despite a demand for around 100,000 corneal transplants each year, only about 25,000 to 30,000 corneas are donated annually. This shortage poses a significant barrier to treating those affected by corneal blindness. • Policy Considerations: Indian policymakers are considering implementing a ‘presumed consent’ model for organ donation to increase the availability of donor corneas. This approach aims to address the critical shortage and improve access to necessary treatments.
What are the primary causes and current statistics of corneal blindness in India?
Occupational Hazards: Injuries, particularly in industrial and agricultural settings, are increasingly recognized as a leading cause of corneal blindness. This shift highlights the impact of occupational hazards on eye health.
Historically, infectious diseases such as keratitis and trachoma have been significant contributors to corneal blindness.
However, the focus has shifted towards eye trauma and complications as major causes in recent years.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Widespread vitamin A deficiency is another critical factor exacerbating the incidence of corneal blindness, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and working-age adults.
Healthcare Access Issues: Limited access to quality eye care services, especially in rural areas, leads to delayed treatment for conditions that could be managed effectively if addressed early.
Poor Hygiene and Delayed Interventions: Poor hygiene practices and delays in seeking medical help contribute to the worsening of corneal conditions, often resulting in irreversible damage.
Current Statistics
• Corneal blindness affects approximately 1.2 million people in India. • The country sees an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 new cases of corneal blindness each year. • Corneal blindness accounts for around 7.5% of the total blindness burden in India. • Children and working-age adults in rural areas are particularly susceptible due to malnutrition and frequent injuries, while elderly individuals face risks from degenerative eye conditions.
What are the barriers to effective treatment and prevention of corneal blindness?
Shortage of Donor Corneas: There is a significant gap between the demand for corneal transplants (estimated at 100,000 annually) and the actual number of donor corneas available (around 25,000 to 30,000). This shortage limits the ability to treat those suffering from corneal blindness effectively.
Healthcare Disparities: The distribution of specialized corneal services is uneven across India, with underserved regions lacking adequate facilities for the timely management of corneal diseases.
More trained corneal surgeons are needed to meet the annual transplant targets.
Although the Cornea Society of India has over 1,000 members, the exact number of surgeons performing keratoplasty regularly is unclear. This gap in training and availability affects surgical outcomes.
Data Gaps: Comprehensive data on the prevalence of corneal blindness and the number of individuals who could benefit from transplantation are lacking. Establishing a national registry for corneal blindness and transplants is essential.
Preventable Causes: Many cases of corneal blindness are avoidable through preventive measures such as addressing vitamin A deficiency, improving hygiene practices, and providing timely medical interventions for infections and injuries.
Public Awareness and Myths: Lack of awareness about eye health and misconceptions surrounding eye donation hinder corneal donation efforts. Myths about eye color change after donation or beliefs that only young people can donate deter potential donors.
What comprehensive strategies can be implemented?
Public Awareness and Education:Min of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) can lead nationwide awareness campaigns about eye health, corneal blindness, and the importance of eye donation.
Local health departments can conduct community outreach programs in schools and villages to educate people about eye care and the significance of corneal donation.
Enhancing Healthcare Access: The National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCBVI) under the MoHFW, is responsible for improving eye care services across India, including establishing mobile eye care units.
District Blindness Control Societies (DBCS) that operate at the district level to implement eye care initiatives, can organize screening camps and facilitate access to surgical treatments for corneal blindness.
Training and Capacity Building: The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and Regional Institutes of Ophthalmology (RIOs) can provide specialized training programs for eye surgeons and healthcare workers to enhance their skills in treating corneal conditions.
Policy and Research Initiatives: TheMinistry of Science and Technology can support research initiatives aimed at understanding the causes of corneal blindness and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions through funding and collaboration with research institutions.
For example, theNational Eye Bank Association of India can work on establishing guidelines for eye banks, promoting voluntary eye donations, and conducting research on best practices in eye banking
By implementing these strategies, India can make significant strides towards reducing the prevalence of corneal blindness and improving overall eye health across its population.
On International Diabetes Day (November 14), the Lancet shared a global study showing over 800 million adults have diabetes, and more than half aren’t receiving proper treatment.
What is the controversy over the numbers and the difference in Testing Methodology?
The Lancet study reported that diabetes was significantly higher in number than the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) estimates (just over 100 million). This stark contrast raises questions about the accuracy and methodology used in both studies.
The primary reason for the discrepancy lies in the methodologies used to measure blood sugar levels:
The Lancet study utilized various methods including fasting glucose and HbA1C (a three-month glycated hemoglobin average) from data across 200 countries.
The ICMR study relied on fasting and two-hour post-prandial blood sugar tests using an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), which is considered the gold standard in India.
Experts argue that using HbA1C can lead to inflated numbers due to its sensitivity to factors like age and anemia.
For instance, a person without diabetes might still show elevated HbA1C levels based on their physiological characteristics, which can skew prevalence estimates.
What are the issues raised in the Lancet study?
Global Inequalities in Treatment: The study highlighted significant disparities in diabetes treatment access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where treatment rates are stagnating despite rising diabetes cases. This raises concerns about long-term health complications for untreated individuals.
Rising Rates of Diabetes: The findings underscore that diabetes rates have increased dramatically, especially Type 2 diabetes, which poses a growing public health challenge. This trend is alarming given that many affected individuals are younger and at risk for severe complications.
Complications and Healthcare Burden: With a large number of individuals requiring treatment, there is a looming healthcare crisis regarding complications such as kidney failure, heart disease, and vision loss, which could overwhelm healthcare systems.
What steps need to be taken? (Way forward)
Enhanced Awareness and Education: There is a pressing need for widespread education on diabetes prevention through nutrition and physical activity. Public health campaigns should focus on promoting healthy lifestyles to mitigate risk factors associated with diabetes.
Policy Changes: Governments must implement policies that restrict unhealthy food options while making healthy foods more affordable. This includes subsidies for nutritious foods and initiatives to create safe spaces for physical activity.
Targeted Interventions for Vulnerable Populations: Special attention should be directed towards vulnerable groups, particularly women who may be at higher risk post-pregnancy or during menopause. Tailored interventions can help address specific risk factors prevalent in these populations.
Investment in Healthcare Infrastructure: To effectively manage the rising burden of diabetes, there must be significant investment in healthcare infrastructure, especially in low- and middle-income countries where resources are limited.
Long-Term Strategic Planning: A comprehensive long-term strategy is essential to combat the growing diabetes epidemic, requiring collaboration between governments, healthcare providers, and communities to ensure sustainable health outcomes.
Mains PYQ:
Q Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain. (UPSC IAS/2018)
Ranks over 1,300 institutions across 100+ countries.
Key Indicators
– Academic Reputation (survey of academic experts)
– Employer Reputation (survey of employers)
– Citations per Faculty (research influence)
Regional Rankings
Includes regional rankings for Asia, Latin America, Europe, etc.
Annual Release
Published annually, typically in June.
Key Insights from QS Asia Rankings 2025
The 2025 rankings cover 984 institutions across 25 countries in Eastern, Southern, South-Eastern, and Central Asia, offering a detailed comparison of institutional performance in the region.
India made impressive gains, with 2 institutions in the top 50 and seven in the top 100 of the QS Asia Rankings 2025.
India has the highest number of ranked institutions, dominating the top 10 universities in Southern Asia with seven Indian institutions.
Top Rankings for India:
Top 50: IIT Delhi (44th) and IIT Bombay (48th).
Top 100: Includes IIT Madras (56), IIT Kharagpur (60), Indian Institute of Science (62), IIT Kanpur (67), and University of Delhi (81).
Top 150: Features IIT Guwahati, IIT Roorkee, JNU, Chandigarh University (120), UPES (148), and Vellore Institute of Technology (150).
IIT Delhi achieved India’s highest rank at 44th with a 99% employer reputation score, while IIT Bombay follows with 99.5% employer reputation and 96.6% academic reputation.
University of Delhi improved its ranking from 94th to 81st, with a high score of 96.4% in the International Research Network indicator.
Anna University scored a perfect 100 in Papers per Faculty, highlighting its strong research output.
15 universities scored over 99% in the Staff with PhD indicator, reflecting India’s focus on qualified faculty and teaching quality.
North Eastern Hill University and University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, both scored 100 in faculty-student ratio, indicating top-tier academic credibility.
PYQ:
[2014] Should the premier institutes like IITs/IIMs be allowed to retain premier status, allowed more academic independence in designing courses and also decide mode/criteria of selection of students. Discuss in light of the growing challenges.