The Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have recently voiced concerns over the low fertility rates in their states.
What is the current demographic situation, especially in the southern States?
Falling Fertility Rates: Southern states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala have fertility rates below the replacement level of 2.1.
For instance, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal recorded fertility rates of 1.4 (2019-21), and Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala at 1.5.
Ageing Population: These states face an advanced demographic transition with an increasingly ageing population. The share of elderly in Kerala is expected to rise to 22.8% by 2036, in Tamil Nadu to 20.8%, and in Andhra Pradesh to 19%.
End of Demographic Dividend: With a rising old age dependency ratio — Kerala (26.1), Tamil Nadu (20.5), and Andhra Pradesh (18.5) in 2021 — the demographic window for leveraging a young workforce is closing or has already closed in these states.
What is the likely economic impact?
Rising Healthcare Costs: The elderly demographic is likely to increase healthcare costs. Southern states, comprising one-fifth of India’s population, accounted for 32% of out-of-pocket cardiovascular healthcare expenditure in 2017-18.
Reduced Economic Growth Potential: A declining working-age population means a lower potential to reap economic benefits from a young labor force. This demographic shift may impact productivity and economic growth.
Impact on Women’s Labor Force Participation: Pro-natalist policies to increase fertility may lead to a reduction in women’s participation in the labor force, hindering economic growth further.
What are the political implications?
Federal Representation Changes: With the 2026 delimitation, seats in Parliament are expected to be adjusted based on population. Southern states could lose representation due to slower population growth, with Tamil Nadu potentially losing nine seats, Kerala six, and Andhra Pradesh five, while northern states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan may gain seats.
Resource Allocation: Slower-growing southern states contribute more tax revenue yet may receive a smaller share of resources from the central pool, as allocation formulas often consider population.
What are the solutions being considered? (Way forward)
Pro-natalist Incentives: Some southern leaders advocate incentivizing families to have more children. However, international experiences show limited success with pro-natalist incentives.
Gender Equity and Family Policies: Policies such as paid maternity/paternity leave, accessible childcare, and employment protections can support sustainable fertility rates without economically disadvantaging women.
Increasing Working Age and Migrant Inclusion: Extending working lifespans and better integrating economic migrants in social security and political representation can help mitigate the impact of an ageing population.
Balancing Migration Needs: Southern states, which attract many economic migrants, face challenges as these migrants are still counted in their home states, impacting political representation and resource distribution in the host states.
Mains PYQ:
Q Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the mains cause of population increase in India. (UPSC IAS/2015)
Min. of Health and Family Welfare issued draft Guidelines for the withdrawal of life support in terminally ill Patients, aimed at implementing the Supreme Court’s 2018 and 2023 rulings that uphold the right to die with dignity for all Indians.
What is Passive euthanasia?
Passive euthanasia involves allowing a terminally ill patient to die naturally by withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatments, like ventilators when they no longer provide benefits.
What are the draft guidelines released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare?
The guidelines aim to operationalize the Supreme Court’s 2018 and 2023 orders, which recognize the right to die with dignity as part of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
Key Mechanisms Proposed:
Primary and Secondary Medical Boards: Hospitals are required to set up these boards to determine when further medical treatment for a terminally ill patient would no longer be beneficial.
Nomination of Doctors: District Chief Medical Officers will nominate doctors to serve on Secondary Medical Boards to confirm or reject the Primary Medical Board’s recommendations.
While India does not have dedicated legislation on withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment, these guidelines and the Supreme Court’s judgments provide a defined legal framework to make these actions lawful.
What is meant by withholding/withdrawing life-sustaining treatment?
It refers to discontinuing medical interventions, such as ventilators or feeding tubes, when they no longer contribute to the patient’s recovery or only prolong suffering.
The intention is to allow the underlying illness to take its natural course while providing comfort care, focusing on symptomatic relief and palliative care.
The right to refuse medical treatment is recognized under common law and is considered part of India’s fundamental right to life and personal liberty (Article 21).
Is Withholding/Withdrawing treatment akin to giving up on the patient?
Withholding or withdrawing treatment does not mean the doctor is giving up on the patient. It is an acknowledgment that continued medical intervention may no longer be beneficial and could cause unnecessary suffering.
The process involves shifting the focus from life-sustaining measures to palliative care to manage pain and ensure the patient’s comfort.
Often, doctors practice “discharge against medical advice” because of misconceptions about the legality of withholding/withdrawing treatment. This practice leads to patients suffering without appropriate care.
What medical procedure is laid down by the SC and reaffirmed by the guidelines?
Primary Medical Board assessment: A hospital-level board, including the treating doctor and two experienced experts, evaluates the patient’s condition to recommend withholding/withdrawing treatment.
Secondary Medical Board review: A different board, nominated by the district Chief Medical Officer, reviews the Primary Board’s decision for an additional level of checks.
Consent and Judicial notification: Consent from the patient’s surrogate decision-makers or advance directive nominees is required, and the decision must be notified to the local judicial magistrate.
Way forward:
Public Awareness and Training: Educate the public and healthcare professionals about the legal framework for end-of-life care, emphasizing the distinction between withholding treatment and euthanasia, to reduce misconceptions.
Strengthen Palliative Care Services: Expand access to palliative care across hospitals and healthcare facilities, ensuring that terminally ill patients receive compassionate and effective pain management and comfort care.
October 24 is recognized as World Polio Day, a commemoration established by Rotary International to honor the birth of Jonas Salk, who spearheaded the development of the first vaccine against polio in the 1950s.
What key strategies contributed to the successful eradication of polio in India?
Comprehensive Vaccination Campaigns: India implemented large-scale vaccination drives starting in 1972, which expanded under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) in 1985.
Community Engagement and Awareness: Targeted awareness campaigns were crucial, utilizing local health workers to administer oral polio drops, which made vaccination accessible.
Effective Messaging: The slogan “do boond zindagi ki” (two drops of life) resonated well with the public. Utilizing celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan and integrating health messages into popular media further amplified awareness.
Robust Surveillance System: A multilayered surveillance mechanism was developed to monitor acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases, enabling prompt immunisation of affected populations. This system involved local informers, including community health workers and doctors.
Targeted Interventions for High-Risk Areas: By 2009, efforts were concentrated in specific regions, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where most cases were reported. This targeted approach was critical in reducing transmission rates.
Collaboration with International Agencies: The eradication campaign was supported by various international bodies such as WHO, UNICEF, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, ensuring financial and logistical backing.
How did India address the challenges of vaccine hesitancy among specific communities?
Engagement with Community Leaders: To address religious concerns and misinformation, influential figures such as imams and local leaders were involved. Their endorsements played a significant role in countering myths about the vaccine.
Targeted Communication Strategies: Awareness efforts were tailored to specific communities, focusing on dispelling myths surrounding the vaccine, such as fears about impotence and cultural taboos against its ingredients.
Culturally Sensitive Messaging: Messaging was crafted in local languages and through community-specific narratives, ensuring that it resonated with the cultural context of various groups.
What lessons can be learned from India’s polio eradication efforts for future public health campaigns?
Importance of Community Involvement: Engaging local leaders and community members is vital for building trust and addressing vaccine hesitancy effectively.
Flexibility in Implementation: Tailoring vaccination drives to accommodate local cultural practices, work schedules, and geographic challenges can enhance participation rates.
Sustained Awareness Efforts: Continuous education and awareness campaigns are essential, especially in the face of evolving misinformation and cultural resistance.
Data-Driven Decision Making: The use of robust surveillance systems and data analytics to identify and target high-risk areas can help streamline public health interventions.
Collaboration with Multiple Stakeholders: Building partnerships between government agencies, international organizations, and local communities can strengthen public health responses and resource mobilization.
Conclusion: Need to establish sustainable platforms for continuous dialogue between healthcare providers and community leaders to address health concerns, build trust, and ensure community-specific health initiatives are effectively communicated and implemented.
Q). Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. (UPSC CSE 2021)
Q) The public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that the private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC CSE 2015)
Mentor’s Comment: In July, a 26-year-old executive from a multinational consulting firm ended her life due to immense work pressures, shedding light on a critical issue affecting millions of working Indians. In September, a 38-year-old software engineer in Chennai also took his life, battling depression caused by work-related stress.
Despite outwardly successful careers, these tragic losses highlight India’s growing mental health crisis, where success is often tied to relentless productivity and material wealth. With over 197 million people suffering from mental health disorders, according to the Lancet Psychiatry Commission, India’s economic growth has increased societal pressures, neglecting mental well-being and fostering disconnection from community and self-awareness. In today’s editorial, we will dive more into the causes and impacts of Mental Health in Indian Society.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day (October 10) focuses on ‘prioritizing mental health in the workplace. India faces a mental health crisis driven by urban stress, financial instability, and intense competition.
Key points related to Mental Health issues as per WHO:
• According to WHO, India has a significant burden of mental health issues with 2443 Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) per 100,000 population. • India’s age-adjusted suicide rate is 21.1 per 100,000, among the highest globally. • The economic loss due to mental health conditions between 2012-2030 is estimated to be USD 1.03 trillion.
What are the reasons behind the rising stress and anxiety?
Mental Health Epidemic: India is facing a growing mental health crisis, with millions suffering from disorders like depression, anxiety, and stress.
Pressures of Urban Living: Urban life, financial instability, and intense competition contribute significantly to rising stress.
Material Success vs. Well-being: Despite material success, many people feel isolated and disconnected from their communities, leading to a sense of purposelessness.
Consumerism and Social Comparison: In urban areas, consumerism fosters a culture where wealth and luxury goods define status, causing feelings of inadequacy and stress.
Fear of Insignificance: As per Ernest Becker’s theory, much of human behavior is driven by the fear of impermanence. People chase material wealth for social validation, but this pursuit neglects self-awareness and deeper emotional needs.
Mental Health Policy and Legal Frameworks by Govt:
• National Mental Health Policy, 2014: Promotes a rights-based and participatory approach for quality service delivery. • Mental Healthcare Act, 2017: Provides a legal framework that aligns with the UNCRPD (United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities), focusing on protecting the rights of individuals with mental illness, decriminalizing suicide, and ensuring access to mental health services.
Collective Action, Community as Solutions:
Shifting focus to Collective Well-being: The emphasis needs to move from individual success to collective well-being. Strong social connections, supportive communities, and meaningful work are critical to mental health.
Examples from other Countries: Initiatives like Brazil’s community gardens promote shared responsibilities, fostering a sense of belonging and combating isolation.
Value of Community Living: Community living provides a sustainable alternative to individualistic consumerism by promoting shared responsibility and collective purpose, strengthening social support networks, reducing competition, and offering a sense of purpose.
Way forward:
Strengthen Community-Based Mental Health Programs: Focus on building strong social connections and support systems through community-based initiatives, promoting collective well-being over individual competition, and addressing isolation.
Enhance Accessibility to Affordable Mental Health Services: Expand access to cost-effective, quality mental health care at the primary health care level, ensuring services are available to all, especially in underserved areas.
On October 9, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved extending the free fortified rice supply under welfare programs until December 2028.
Why Rice Fortification is needed?
Widespread Micronutrient Deficiency: India faces a significant public health challenge with micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron, Vitamin B12, and folic acid. Anaemia, caused by iron deficiency, is a persistent issue affecting large segments of the population, including children, women, and men.
Rice as a Staple Food: Given that 65% of India’s population consumes rice as a staple, it is an ideal vehicle to deliver essential micronutrients to combat these deficiencies, helping improve overall health, productivity, and cognitive development.
Process of Rice Fortification:
Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK): The process involves producing fortified rice kernels that are enriched with essential micronutrients such as Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12.
Blending with Regular Rice: These fortified kernels are then blended with regular rice at a ratio prescribed by FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India).
Typically, fortified kernels make up 1-2% of the total rice, ensuring consistent delivery of micronutrients without altering the taste or cooking properties of the rice.
How the Fortification Initiative has fared so far?
The rice fortification scheme was implemented in three phases between 2022 and March 2024, with the target of achieving universal coverage in all government schemes by March 2024 successfully met.
Fortified rice is now supplied under major welfare programs like the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS), and PM POSHAN in all states and Union Territories.
The initiative is fully funded by the central government, highlighting its commitment to tackling malnutrition and ensuring inclusive nutritional security across the country.
How can food fortification help reduce malnutrition in India?
Combats Micronutrient Deficiencies: Fortifying staple foods with essential nutrients like iron and vitamins helps reduce widespread deficiencies that cause anemia and poor health.
Wide Reach: Through existing public programs (PDS, ICDS), fortified food reaches vulnerable populations, ensuring consistent nutrient intake for large segments of society.
Cost-Effective: It offers a scalable, affordable solution to malnutrition, improving health outcomes without significant changes in diets or eating habits.
Way forward:
Strengthen Monitoring and Quality Control: Implement robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure the consistent quality of fortified rice and its proper distribution across welfare programs to maximize nutritional benefits.
Raise Awareness and Promote Consumption: Conduct awareness campaigns to educate the public on the health benefits of fortified rice, ensuring higher acceptance and consistent consumption to address widespread micronutrient deficiencies.
Four years after the onset of Covid, an expert group formed by NITI Aayog has proposed the establishment of a comprehensive framework to handle future public health emergencies or pandemics effectively.
Lessons Learned from COVID-19:
Gaps in Legal Frameworks: Existing laws like the Epidemic Diseases Act (1897) and National Disaster Management Act (2005) were insufficient for handling large-scale health emergencies. These laws lack clarity on definitions of epidemics and provisions for managing public health crises, drug distribution, and quarantine measures.
Delayed Response and Coordination: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses in coordination between central and state governments, highlighting the need for a more organized response mechanism.
Inadequate Surveillance: Insufficient disease surveillance and early warning systems delayed the identification of threats. The role of zoonotic diseases, especially viruses linked to bat species, underscored the need for better monitoring of human-animal interactions.
What specific recommendations does the NITI Aayog report make?
Enactment of PHEMA: Introduce the Public Health Emergency Management Act for a more robust legal framework to manage pandemics and other health emergencies.
Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS): Establish a central committee to oversee pandemic preparedness, governance, R&D, surveillance, and response efforts.
Strengthened Disease Surveillance: Create a national biosecurity and biosafety network and monitor human-animal interfaces, especially for zoonotic diseases.
Emergency Vaccine Bank: Develop a stockpile of vaccines for rapid access during health crises, sourced domestically or internationally.
Early Warning and Research Network: Build a forecasting and modelling network, along with Centres of Excellence (CoEs) to advance research on priority pathogens and preparedness.
How can India enhance its pandemic preparedness framework? (Way forward)
Strengthening Legal and Institutional Frameworks: Enact a Public Health Emergency Management Act (PHEMA) and establish an Empowered Group of Secretaries for coordinated pandemic response.
Enhancing Surveillance and Early Warning Systems: Build a robust disease surveillance network, biosecurity system, and epidemiology forecasting for early detection and response to outbreaks.
Investing in Health Infrastructure and Vaccine Stockpiles: Develop public health cadres, boost healthcare infrastructure, and create an emergency vaccine bank for rapid deployment during health crises.
The “Arogya Sanjeevani Policy” serves as a reference point for choosing health insurance for hospitalisation.
AboutArogya Sanjeevani Policy:
Details
Launch Date
April 2020
Issued by
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
Objective
To provide basic and affordable health insurance coverage to all citizens
Sum Insured
₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh per policy year
Coverage
Hospitalization, pre and post-hospitalization expenses, daycare procedures, AYUSH treatments, COVID-19 coverage
Pre-Existing Conditions
Coverage after 4 years of continuous policy renewal
Co-Payment
5% co-payment on all claims
Premium
Varies based on age, sum insured, and insurer
Waiting Period
30 days for new policies; 48 months for pre-existing diseases
Daycare Procedures
Covers over 50+ daycare treatments
Room Rent Limit
Up to 2% of the sum insured per day (maximum ₹5,000 per day)
ICU Room Rent
Up to 5% of the sum insured per day (maximum ₹10,000 per day)
AYUSH Treatments
Covers Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy treatments
Maternity Coverage
Not covered
Network Hospitals
Cashless facility in network hospitals
Eligibility
Individuals aged 18 to 65 years
PYQ:
[2019] Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to the absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of the policy process – Discuss.
Q) National Education Policy 2020 conforms 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)
Q) The quality of higher education in India requires major improvement to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of technical and higher education in the country? Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2015)
Q) How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer. (UPSC CSE 2020)
Mentor’s Comment: The National Credit Framework (NCrF), derived from the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, provides a flexible template for educational institutions to offer a unified accumulation and transfer of credits across multidisciplinary education, including skill education.
However, some remain resistant to the dynamic and forward-looking changes advocated by the NCrF, unwilling to adapt to India’s evolving societal, technological, and educational needs. In today’s editorial we will see how the Indian education system needs to remain relevant and competitive, higher education institutions (HEIs) must revise their curricula to align with the NCrF and bridge skill mismatches.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The National Credit Framework (NCrF) represents a significant shift in India’s educational approach, aiming to create a more flexible, integrated, and student-centered learning environment that prepares individuals for the challenges of the 21st century.
What is the National Credit Framework (NCrF)?
• The NCrF is a set of guidelines to be followed by schools, colleges and universities in adopting the credit system. These guidelines are based on the inter-ministerial committee report, the Union Ministry of Education (MoE) unveiled the draft NCrF in 2022. • The primary goal is to help Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) balance vocational training with academic pursuits, thereby playing a crucial role in shaping individual futures and contributing to societal progress. • It brings the entire school education system under the ambit of credits for the first time. Only the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) follows a credit system. The NCrF also covers skill and vocational education.
Features:
• NCrF will allow students to attain NSQF-approved foundational skills developed by industry and be more employable. • The provision of micro-credentials will allow integration of quick educational upgradation/up-skilling.
Significant Impact of National Credit Framework (NCrF)
Credit Earning Opportunities: The National Credit Framework (NCrF) allows students to earn credits through various activities, including classroom teaching, laboratory work (like Atal Tinkering Labs), research projects, sports, arts, and vocational training, provided they undergo assessment.
Broad Educational Scope: Students can accumulate credits from diverse experiences such as internships, apprenticeships, social work, and experiential learning. This flexibility is designed to cater to their academic and career aspirations.
Integration of Vocational Training: It promotes a balanced approach between vocational training and academic pursuits, ensuring that both aspects are interlinked and equally valued in shaping students’ futures.
What are the present issues in implementation?
Resistance to Change: Some educators are resistant to the NCrF, clinging to conventional educational methods. This reluctance challenges adapting to the evolving educational landscape shaped by societal and technological shifts.
Need for Curriculum Revision: To remain relevant and competitive, higher education institutions (HEIs) must revise curricula in alignment with the NCrF. This includes addressing skill mismatches that could hinder students’ career prospects.
How HEIs can work in a modern education environment?
Dual Focus on Knowledge and Skills: HEIs should not only focus on producing knowledge but also equip students with practical skills necessary for emerging job roles and self-employment opportunities. This dual role is achievable through the adoption of the NCrF.
Differences between MERU (Multidisciplinary Education and Research University) Universities and Traditional Universities:
MERU Universities by NEP
Traditional Universities
Multidisciplinary Focus
It emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to education, integrating various fields of study and promoting interdisciplinary research.
It often operates within rigid academic silos.
Research Orientation
MERUs are designed to serve as centers for advanced research and innovation, aspiring to make India a global hub for research and development.
Traditional universities may have limited research opportunities or focus primarily on undergraduate education.
Flexible Curriculum
The curriculum in MERUs is envisioned to be flexible, allowing students to explore various disciplines and gain credits through diverse activities.
Traditional universities often have a more structured curriculum with less room for interdisciplinary exploration.
Accessibility and Equity
MERUs aim to promote accessibility and equity in education, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed regardless of their background.
Traditional universities may still face challenges related to inclusivity and equal access.
Continuous Adaptation is the Key: (Way Forward)
Support for Reforms: Promoting an inclusive higher education system requires supporting reforms that democratize education and enhance social equity. Continuous adaptation of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is essential to avoid stagnation and maintain effectiveness.
NEP 2020 and MERU Concept: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 introduces the Multidisciplinary Education and Research University (MERU) model, aiming to cultivate scholars and intellectuals. However, HEIs should also prioritize vocational and skill training to improve student employability.
Practical Skills and Social Mobility: A flexible curriculum, as proposed in the National Credit Framework (NCrF), enables students to acquire practical skills, making higher education a vehicle for social mobility. Resistance to structural changes in education often stems from outdated pedagogical methods that do not address current economic and social realities.
Need for Curriculum Reimagining: To align with modern needs, higher education curricula must integrate flexibility and multidisciplinary approaches, ensuring that institutions prepare students for emerging challenges in the job market.
Conclusion: There is a need to integrate flexibility, multidisciplinary approaches, and skill-based courses to transform India into an economic powerhouse and technological leader. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) should emphasize both vocational and skill training alongside fundamental research and innovation.
Primary care remains underdeveloped, while the private sector has seen significant growth in secondary and tertiary care.
What are the major necessities in Public Health?
Diseases of Poverty: This includes health issues predominantly affecting the poor and vulnerable populations, such as tuberculosis, malaria, undernutrition, maternal mortality, and illnesses caused by food and water-borne infections like typhoid and diarrheal diseases.
Addressing these needs is critical not only from a health perspective but also as a matter of human rights.
Middle-Class Health Concerns: The second category focuses on health issues related to environmental pollution, including air and water quality, waste management, and food safety.
These issues are often exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and poor market regulations, leading to chronic illnesses and road traffic accidents.
Curative Care Needs: The most visible public health needs are those related to curative care, which is divided into three levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary care.
The poor often rely on public primary health care for affordable services, while secondary care remains historically neglected.
Tertiary care is primarily addressed through government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) under Ayushman Bharat, aimed at providing coverage for serious health issues.
How do the private hospitals become a real beneficiary in present times?
Limited Coverage: India’s health insurance primarily covers only hospitalisation expenses, leaving out outpatient and primary care services. This benefits private hospitals as they can monopolise high-cost medical treatments, while the larger uninsured population faces commercialised care at market rates.
Weakening of Public Health Sector: The government’s shift in focus from strengthening public sector health care to outsourcing via insurance schemes like PMJAYindicates a failure to build adequate secondary and tertiary public health services.
Threats to Public Healthcare:
Neglect of Secondary and Tertiary Care: The inadequate investment in strengthening secondary- and tertiary-level health care in the public sector, leads to a reliance on private hospitals.
Transformation of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Sub-centres: The conversion of sub-centres and PHCs into Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) has undermined their original role in preventive and promotive health care.
Loss of Trust in Public Healthcare: Due to overcrowding, poor infrastructure, and inadequate funding, public health institutions are losing credibility. Coupled with the commercial interests of private providers, this creates a dual crisis of access and quality in the healthcare system.
Rebranding of Health Centres: The recent renaming of HWCs as “Ayushman Arogya Mandirs” raises concerns about cultural relevance and secularism in public health institutions, especially for non-Hindi-speaking populations, further undermining trust in the system.
Way forward:
Strengthen Public Healthcare Infrastructure: Invest in enhancing secondary and tertiary care facilities in the public sector to reduce dependence on private hospitals.
Integrate Health Insurance and Primary Care: Expand health insurance coverage to include outpatient and primary care services, and ensure that public health centers retain their focus on preventive and promotive care.
Mains PYQ:
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 IAS/2015)
During his Independence Day address from the Red Fort this August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India’s aspiration to host the 2036 Olympic Games, stating that preparations are already underway to realize this dream.
Issue of Sports Infrastructure in Some States:
Limited Olympic-Standard Facilities: Currently, only about 10.4% of India’s mapped sports infrastructure meets Olympic standards. This includes only 1,645 completed facilities out of 15,822 across the country.
State-Level Disparities:Tamil Nadu leads with nearly 390 Olympic-standard facilities, followed by Delhi with 161 and Odisha with 153. This highlights a significant disparity in sports infrastructure across different states.
The Gujarat government has earmarked Rs 6,000 crore for developing sports complexes in Ahmedabad.
Potential in the present state of Infrastructure:
Current Infrastructure Landscape: India’s sports infrastructure is still developing, with significant investments needed to meet international standards.
The Khelo India Scheme, launched in 2017, aims to enhance sports infrastructure and promote talent development, focusing on grassroots improvements.
Future Developments: Plans are underway to upgrade existing facilities and build new ones, particularly in states like Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, which have shown commitment to developing world-class sports venues.
Leveraging Existing Facilities: By utilizing existing sports infrastructure in states like Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Odisha, India can advance a cost-efficient and eco-friendly bid for the Olympics. This strategy involves repurposing venues for public use post-games, ensuring lasting benefits.
Need for Collaborative Approach:
Multi-Stakeholder Involvement: A successful bid will require collaboration among various stakeholders, including state governments, sports associations, and the central government. A multi-stakeholder committee is essential to ensure that all voices are heard and that the bid reflects the country’s potential.
Building Consensus: The bid’s success hinges on building consensus both within India and with international stakeholders. This involves strategic planning and cooperation across political and territorial lines to present a unified front.
Significance for India:
Catalyst for Sports Development: Hosting the 2036 Olympics would necessitate significant investments in sports infrastructure across India. This would not only enhance existing facilities but also promote grassroots sports development through initiatives like the Khelo India Scheme.
Economic and Tourism Boost: The event is expected to generate substantial economic benefits, including job creation and increased tourism. The influx of international visitors and media attention would provide a platform to showcase India’s cultural heritage.
National Pride and Unity: The successful hosting of the Olympics would serve as a symbol of national achievement, fostering unity and pride among citizens.
Conclusion: India should prioritize the expansion and upgradation of sports infrastructure across all states, focusing on creating new Olympic-standard facilities while enhancing existing ones. Leveraging the Khelo India Scheme, investments should be directed towards grassroots development to ensure widespread access to quality sports venues.