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Subject: Health

  • National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN)

    Why in the News?

    The Indian government has proposed a phased winding down of the National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN), a WHO-established network critical to tracking and eliminating polio in India.

    About National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN):

    • Launch : The NPSN was established in 1997 as a collaboration between the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India.
    • Objective: Its main goal is to detect and monitor the poliovirus in India to enable quick response and containment.
    • Operational Structure: The network functions under the National Polio Surveillance Project (NPSP) and includes over 200 field surveillance units across the country.
    • Methodology: The core method is Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance, which tracks sudden paralysis in children under 15 — a key indicator of polio.
    • Environmental Surveillance: The NPSN also tests sewage and water samples to detect silent circulation of the virus.
    • Laboratory Support: A network of WHO-accredited laboratories confirms virus presence through testing of stool and water samples.
    • Rapid Response: Every suspected case is quickly investigated, and public health teams are deployed for control and containment.
    • Expanded Role: Over time, NPSN has also supported surveillance for measles, rubella, DPT, and helped train health workers on new vaccines.

    Polio and Its Eradication in India:

    • About: Polio is a highly infectious viral disease primarily affecting children under 5, potentially causing paralysis or death.
    • Transmission: The disease spreads via the faecal-oral route, mostly through contaminated water or food.
    • Types of Polioviruses:
      • WPV1 still exists in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
      • WPV2 and WPV3 have been eradicated globally.
    • Infection Mechanism: Once inside the body, the virus multiplies in the intestines and may attack the nervous system, causing permanent paralysis.
    • Prevention through Vaccination:
      • Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) is given at birth, 6, 10, and 14 weeks, with a booster at 16–24 months.
      • Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV) is administered with the third DPT dose under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
    • Pulse Polio Campaign (1995): India launched the Pulse Polio Immunization Campaign, providing oral polio drops to all children under 5.
    • Eradication Milestones: The last wild polio case in India was reported in 2011, and in 2014, WHO officially declared India polio-free.
    • Role of NPSN: The success was enabled by strong surveillance, mass immunization, and dedicated work by NPSN and its partners.
    [UPSC 2016] ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to:

    (a) Immunization of children and pregnant women*

    (b) Construction of smart cities across the country

    (c) India’s own search for the Earth-like planets in outer space

    (d) New Educational Policy

     

  • India’s first ICMR-SCD Stigma Scale 

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has developed the ICMR-SCD Stigma Scale for India (ISSSI) to help understand and reduce stigma faced by patients and caregivers from sickle cell disease (SCD).

    What is Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)?

    • Nature of Disease: SCD is a genetic disorder where red blood cells become sickle-shaped, reducing oxygen delivery in the body.
    • Complications: These sickle cells can block blood vessels, break easily, and cause anemia, organ damage, and painful episodes.
    • Cause: The disease is inherited, requiring one defective gene from each parent; one gene leads to sickle cell trait.
    • Symptoms: Common symptoms include fatigue, body pain, swollen limbs, frequent infections, and organ damage.
    • Treatment Options: There is no universal cure, but bone marrow transplants and gene therapy offer potential solutions; supportive care helps manage symptoms.

    Note:

    • Anaemia is a condition where the blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells (RBCs) or haemoglobin.
    • All SCD patients have anaemia, but not all anaemia is due to Sickle Cell Disease.

    About the ICMR-SCD Stigma Scale for India (ISSSI):

    • Purpose: The ISSSI is India’s first tool designed to measure stigma faced by sickle cell disease (SCD) patients and their caregivers.
    • Developing Authority: It was developed by ICMR to understand and address the social impact of SCD in India’s diverse communities.
    • Global Context: This is the fourth stigma scale worldwide and the first validated for Indian conditions.
    • Scientific Validation: The tool was validated in a study published in The Lancet (Regional Health – South-East Asia).
    • Availability: The ISSSI is now approved for use in both clinical and research settings across India.
    • Components: It includes two formats — ISSSI-Pt for patients and ISSSI-Cg for caregivers.
    • Stigma Dimensions: It captures issues related to family expectations, reproductive concerns, social disclosure, illness burden, interpersonal challenges, and negative healthcare experiences.
    • Data Sources: The scale was developed using inputs from 6 culturally diverse districts: Alluri Seetharama Raju, Anuppur, Chhoteudepur, Kandhamal, Mysuru, and Udalguri.

    India’s Strategy: Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB)

    • Launch Year: The AMB Mission was launched in 2018 to reduce anemia using a 6x6x6 strategy.
    • Target Groups: It covers six groups — young children, school children, adolescents, women of reproductive age, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
    • Key Interventions: Actions include iron and folic acid supplements, deworming, nutrition education, digital health tools, IFA-fortified foods, and disease screening (including SCD).
    • Supporting Systems: It is backed by inter-ministerial coordination, state-level units, research centers, the AMB Dashboard, digital tracking, and supply chain support.
    • Reach: The mission aims to impact around 450 million people, focusing on real-time monitoring and last-mile delivery.
    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements in the context of interventions being undertaken under Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy:

    1. It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for pre-school children, adolescents and pregnant women. 2. It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of child-birth. 3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents. 4. It addresses non-nutritinoal causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.

    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three* (d) All four

     

  • Trends in Maternal Mortality (2000-2023), Report

    Why in the News?

    In 2023, India had the second-highest maternal deaths globally, with 19,000 deaths, tied with the Democratic Republic of Congo, and second only to Nigeria. This equated to 52 fatalities daily according to the UN Report.

    Trends in Maternal Mortality (2000-2023), Report

    About the UN Report

    • The report, titled ‘Trends in Maternal Mortality 2000-2023’, was prepared by the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, UN Population Fund, World Bank, and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (population division).
    • It provides global data on maternal mortality and highlights the countries with the highest rates of maternal deaths.

    Note:

    • Maternal Mortality refers to the death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days after delivery, due to complications related to pregnancy or childbirth, as per WHO.
    • Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) refers to the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in a given time period, usually over a year.

    Key Highlights of the Report:

    • Nigeria had the highest number of maternal deaths with 75,000 deaths, accounting for 28.7% of global deaths in 2023.
    • The top four countries (India, Nigeria, DRC, Pakistan) accounted for 47% of global maternal deaths.
    • Despite a population similar to India, China had only 1,400 maternal deaths in 2023.
    • Maternal mortality globally declined by 40% between 2000 and 2023, due to improved healthcare access.
    • COVID-19 caused an additional 40,000 maternal deaths in 2021 due to service disruptions.
    • The global MMR remained high, with 260,000 maternal deaths in 2023, one death every two minutes.

    India’s Progress in Reducing Maternal Mortality:

    • India’s MMR declined by 78% from 362 in 2000 to 80 in 2023 (NFHS 2019-21).
    • Institutional deliveries increased from 79% in 2015-16 to 89% in 2019-21, with Kerala achieving 100%.
    • Eight states (including Kerala, Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu) reduced MMR to below the SDG target of 70 per 100,000 live births.

    Various Schemes for Maternal Health in India:

    Scheme  Launched Objective Notable Features Target Beneficiaries
    Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) 2005 To reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by promoting institutional deliveries. Cash incentives, Focus on rural areas, Increased access to institutional deliveries. Pregnant women from poor socio-economic backgrounds.
    Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) 2017 To provide maternity benefits and promote institutional deliveries. Cash benefit of ₹5,000 for the first child, Additional incentives for girl child under PMMVY 2.0. Women pregnant with their first child after 01.01.2017.
    Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK) 2011 To eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for pregnant women and sick infants. Free delivery services, Free transport, Free post-delivery services. Pregnant women and sick infants in public health institutions.
    Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) 2019 To provide assured, dignified, and quality healthcare at no cost. Zero denial policy, Quality of care, Focus on respectful care. All pregnant women and newborns visiting public health institutions.
    LaQshya 2017 To improve the quality of care in labor rooms and maternity operation theatres. Focus on improving infrastructure, Monitoring and evaluation, Quality assurance. Pregnant women receiving care in labor rooms and maternity OT.

     

    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojna:

    1. It is safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments.

    2. Its objective is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality among poor pregnant women.

    3. It aims to promote institutional delivery among poor pregnant women.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

     

  • Central Sector Scheme for Promotion of International Cooperation for AYUSH 

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Ayush is implementing the Central Sector Scheme for Promotion of International Cooperation for AYUSH to enhance global recognition and development of AYUSH systems, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.

    About the Scheme

    • The scheme focuses on promoting AYUSH systems internationally, contributing to their global growth.
    • The scheme is announced on the AYUSH website, and applications are invited through open advertisements.
    • Proposals are screened by a committee and approved for financial assistance based on needs and activity limits.
    • Key Components of the Scheme:
      1. International Exchange of Experts & Officers: Facilitates deputation of AYUSH experts for international conferences and training.
      2. Incentives for Drug Manufacturers: Provides financial support for international propagation and product registration.
      3. Market Development Support: Supports exhibitions, conferences, and market surveys for international market development.
      4. Promotion through Young Postgraduates: Deploys young postgraduates to promote AYUSH abroad through NGOs.
      5. Translation and Publication: Funds the translation and publication of AYUSH literature in foreign languages.
      6. AYUSH Information Cells/Health Centres: Establishes AYUSH cells and health centers in foreign countries through Indian missions.
      7. International Fellowship Programme: Offers fellowships to foreign nationals to study AYUSH courses in India.

    Significance of Yoga and AYUSH in India’s International Outreach

    • The International Day of Yoga (IDY) was declared by the United Nations in 2014, with ₹161 crore spent on its promotion. IDY celebrations spread Yoga’s global message.
    • Yoga is now part of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), making it compulsory for students from Class I to Class X.
    • The Yoga Certification Board (YCB) under the Ministry of Ayush certifies yoga professionals and accredits institutions, ensuring quality and standards in Yoga practice.
    • The Ministry of Ayush has signed 24 Country-to-Country MoUs and 51 Institute-to-Institute MoUs to promote Indian traditional medicine systems globally.

  • Health Expenditure at 1.84% of GDP

    Why in the News?

    The Union government has steadily increased its spending on healthcare, with the expenditure rising to 1.84% of GDP in 2021-22, up from 1.15% in 2013-14.

    Overview of India’s Health Expenditure

    • India has shown a consistent increase in government spending on healthcare, reflecting a growing commitment to improving the public healthcare system.
    • As of 2021-22, government health expenditure (GHE) rose to 1.84% of GDP, up from 1.15% in 2013-14, and is on track to meet the National Health Policy 2017 target of 2.5% of GDP by 2025.
    • The rise in health expenditure has been particularly significant post–COVID-19, with a 37% increase in government spending from 2020-21 to 2021-22.
    • This has led to better healthcare accessibility, reduced financial burden on individuals, and greater focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure.

    What is Total Health Expenditure?

    • Total Health Expenditure (THE) refers to the sum of all current and capital expenditures incurred by the government, private sector, and external sources for healthcare purposes in a given period.
    • This includes:
      • Current Health Expenditure (CHE): Ongoing spending on healthcare services, such as hospitals, doctor visits, and medical supplies.
      • Capital Expenditure: Investments in healthcare infrastructure, such as building hospitals or purchasing medical equipment.
    • In 2020-21, India’s THE was estimated at ₹7,39,327 crores, constituting 3.73% of GDP, with a per capita expenditure of ₹5,436.
    • In 2021-22, this figure increased to ₹9,04,461 crores, representing 3.83% of GDP, reflecting a proactive government response to healthcare challenges and pandemic management.

    Reasons for Reduced Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE)

    The reduction in OOPE can be attributed to:

    • Increased government health spending, making healthcare more affordable.
    • Expansion of public health services, including vaccination and preventive care.
    • Growth in government-funded health insurance and social security programs, reducing reliance on personal funds.
    • Health initiatives like Ayushman Bharat have eased the financial burden.
    • Improved public healthcare access and financial protection have reduced hardship for low- and middle-income families.

    PYQ:

    [2021] “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse.

     

  • [12th March 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Building compassion into the health-care structure 

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q)  Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. (UPSC CSE 2021)

     

    Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on the moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure (2021) and Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention (2018).

    On February 7, 2025, the WHO released the “Compassion and Primary Health Care” report, emphasizing compassion as a transformative force in health care. Based on my interactions with medical pioneers and global advocacy efforts, including the 74th World Health Assembly, I am encouraged to see growing recognition of compassion’s vital role in improving health care worldwide.

    Today’s editorial highlights the importance of compassionate health care, offering valuable insights for GS Papers, particularly in policy-making and ethics discussions.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    Compassionate health care should guide the actions of industry leaders, hospitals, and health-care organizations.

    What is the key message of the WHO report “Compassion and Primary Health Care”?

    • Compassion as a Transformative Force: The report highlights compassion as a core value in improving primary health care outcomes. Example: A cancer patient’s recovery improves significantly when doctors spend an extra 40 seconds expressing support, as found in a Johns Hopkins study.
    • Improved Patient Outcomes through Compassion: Compassionate care leads to faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, and reduced patient anxiety.Example: Stanford University’s CCARE research found that patients treated with compassion experience quicker healing and fewer complications.
    • Benefits for Health-Care Providers: Compassion reduces stress, prevents burnout, and increases job satisfaction for medical professionals. Example: Nurses who engage in compassionate care report stronger patient relationships and improved emotional well-being.
    • Distinguishing Compassion from Empathy and Sympathy: Compassion involves mindful problem-solving while maintaining emotional stability, unlike empathy, which may cause emotional fatigue. Example: A compassionate doctor can acknowledge a patient’s suffering while staying emotionally balanced to provide sustained care.
    • Global Call for Compassionate Health Systems: The report urges policymakers to integrate compassion into health systems and decision-making processes. Example: The WHO calls for training programs to equip health workers with compassionate communication skills across nations.

    Why is compassion considered beneficial for both patients and health-care providers?

    • Faster Recovery and Better Patient Outcomes: Compassionate care leads to quicker recovery, reduced pain, and shorter hospital stays for patients. Example: A Johns Hopkins study found that when doctors express solidarity (e.g., saying, “We are in this together”), patient anxiety decreases, improving their healing process.
    • Enhanced Patient Trust and Satisfaction: Patients feel heard, valued, and safe when treated with compassion, which strengthens their trust in the healthcare system. Example: Cancer patients who receive compassionate communication are more compliant with treatment and express higher satisfaction with care.
    • Reduced Stress and Burnout for Health-Care Providers: Compassion reduces emotional exhaustion and prevents burnout by fostering emotional resilience. Example: Nurses trained in compassionate care report lower stress levels and improved emotional well-being.
    • Stronger Patient-Provider Relationships: Compassion fosters deeper connections, improving communication and shared decision-making between patients and healthcare providers. Example: Physicians who practice compassionate care build long-term patient trust, leading to better health outcomes and loyalty.
    • Increased Job Satisfaction and Professional Fulfillment: Compassion enhances job satisfaction by giving healthcare providers a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Example: Doctors who engage in compassionate interactions report feeling more connected to their profession and experience greater personal reward.

    How does compassion differ from sympathy, empathy, and kindness in the context of health care?

    • Compassion: Compassion is the ability to recognize a patient’s suffering and actively take steps to alleviate it. It involves an emotional connection combined with a willingness to help. Example: A nurse notices that a terminally ill patient is in pain despite receiving standard treatment. She advocates for a change in medication to improve the patient’s comfort while offering emotional support to the family.
    • Sympathy: Sympathy is feeling sorrow or concern for someone’s suffering but without deeply sharing their emotional experience. Example: A doctor expresses condolences to a patient’s family after delivering bad news but does not necessarily feel the pain personally.
    • Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person by mentally putting oneself in their position. Example: A physician listens to a patient with chronic pain, acknowledges the emotional toll, and adjusts treatment plans accordingly while providing reassurance.

    What are the steps taken by the government? 

    • Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): Provides free health coverage to economically vulnerable families. Example: Over 50 crore beneficiaries are eligible for ₹5 lakh annual health coverage per family for secondary and tertiary care, reducing financial burdens and ensuring accessible healthcare.
    • National Health Mission (NHM): Strengthens rural and urban healthcare infrastructure and ensures equitable healthcare access. Example: Under NHM, initiatives like Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) provide free maternal care during pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal services, ensuring compassionate care for mothers and newborns.
    • Tele-MANAS (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States): Provides free tele-mental health services to address rising mental health concerns. Example: Launched in 2022, this initiative provides 24/7 mental health support, helping patients access timely counseling and care, especially in rural areas.
    • Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Program (PMNDP): Provides free dialysis services to patients with chronic kidney disease. Example: More than 12 lakh dialysis sessions are provided annually across 800+ districts, reducing the financial and emotional stress on patients and their families.
    • Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs): Deliver comprehensive primary healthcare closer to communities. Example: Over 1.6 lakh HWCs have been established nationwide, offering preventive care, maternal health services, and non-communicable disease screenings, fostering compassionate and inclusive healthcare.

    Way forward: 

    • Integrate Compassion Training in Medical Education: Include structured programs to develop compassionate communication and patient-centered care skills for all healthcare professionals, ensuring empathy and emotional resilience.
    • Strengthen Policy Frameworks for Compassionate Care: Implement guidelines that prioritize compassion in healthcare delivery, with regular assessments and incentives to encourage patient-centered, humane practices across public health systems.

  • [8th March 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: What ails Pre-Clinical PG Courses?

    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 the ‘Health for All’ (2018) and primary health structure is a necessary precondition (2021).

    No students enrolled in postgraduate (PG) medical pre-clinical courses like anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, forensic medicine, microbiology, and pharmacology at Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre (VIMS), Bengaluru, until the second round of PG-NEET counselling.

    Today’s editorial discusses the issues related to postgraduate medical seats. This content would help in GS Paper 2 and 3 in the mains paper.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    Many postgraduate medical seats are vacant this year because students are choosing pre-clinical courses.

    Why are postgraduate medical students reluctant to choose pre-clinical courses in Karnataka?

    • Lack of Job Opportunities: Pre-clinical graduates cannot practice as doctors and are limited to working in laboratories, diagnostic centers, or as faculty. Example: Despite reducing tuition fees and offering job guarantees, private institutions like the Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences struggle to fill pre-clinical seats due to limited employment avenues.
    • Lower Salary Compared to Clinical Courses: Pre-clinical roles offer significantly lower remuneration than clinical practice, making them financially unattractive. Example: A clinical doctor can earn a higher salary working in hospitals or private practice, while pre-clinical graduates face salary stagnation in academic or lab-based roles.
    • Limited Career Progression and Mobility: Clinical course graduates have the flexibility to work globally and in various healthcare sectors, while pre-clinical graduates are restricted to teaching or research roles. Example: An MD in General Medicine can practice as a physician anywhere, whereas an MD in Anatomy primarily qualifies for academic positions.
    • High Capital Requirement for Self-Employment: Establishing independent diagnostic centers requires significant investment, which deters pre-clinical graduates from entrepreneurial ventures. Example: Diagnostic centers with advanced technology demand substantial startup costs, making it challenging for pre-clinical graduates to become self-employed.
    • Persistent Seat Vacancies Reflect Low Demand: Consistent under-enrollment over the years signals a long-term disinterest in these courses. Example: In 2024-25, only 6 out of 104 MD Anatomy seats were filled in Karnataka, despite five rounds of counselling and reduced cut-off percentages.

    What is the trend of student enrollment in PG medical courses at the all-India level?

    • Substantial Increase in PG Medical Seats: The number of PG medical seats has risen from 31,185 before 2014 to 70,645 by the 2023-24 academic year, marking a 127% increase.
    • Growth in Medical Colleges: The total number of medical colleges has expanded by 82%, from 387 before 2014 to 704 in 2023. This expansion has contributed to the increased availability of both undergraduate (UG) and PG medical seats.
    • Rising Demand for Medical Education: The number of candidates aspiring to study MBBS grew from 16 lakh in 2019 to 24 lakh in 2024, reflecting a heightened interest in medical education.
    • Improved UG to PG Seat Ratio: The ratio of UG to PG medical seats improved from 2.1:1 in 2018-19 to 1.9:1 in 2022-23, indicating better alignment between the number of medical graduates and available PG training opportunities.
    • Emerging Challenges: Despite the increase in seats, challenges such as geographic disparities in seat distribution and concerns about the quality of education persist.
      • For example,  Karnataka has the highest number of PG medical seats, totaling 5,984, with a significant contribution from private institutions, but States like Arunachal Pradesh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Mizoram, and Nagaland currently do not offer PG medical seats.

    What is the significance of pre-clinical courses? 

    • Foundation for Advanced Medical Practice: Pre-clinical courses (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry) provide the scientific basis for understanding human biology and disease mechanisms. Example: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of biochemistry in vaccine development and understanding viral behavior.
    • Essential for Medical Education and Training: These courses are crucial for training future doctors, ensuring they understand the human body before clinical practice. Example: Medical schools worldwide adopted virtual anatomy labs during the pandemic, enhancing remote learning and maintaining education continuity.
    • Innovation in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques: Pre-clinical research drives advancements in diagnostic tools and medical treatments. Example: Advances in physiology have contributed to wearable health devices like continuous glucose monitors for diabetic patients.

    How has the National Medical Commission (NMC) addressed the issue of unfilled PG medical seats in Karnataka?

    • Reduction of NEET-PG Cut-off Scores: In an unprecedented move, the NEET-PG 2023 cut-off was reduced to zero, making all candidates who appeared for the exam eligible for PG medical programs. This decision aimed to expand the pool of eligible candidates and fill vacant seats across various specialties.
    • Guidelines for Interstate Posting Under District Residency Programme: The NMC issued directives emphasizing strict adherence to the Post-Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023.
      • These guidelines facilitate the interstate posting of PG medical students under the District Residency Programme, ensuring a more even distribution of medical professionals and addressing regional disparities in seat occupancy.
    • Monitoring and Rectifying Seat Allocation Discrepancies: The NMC has been proactive in addressing discrepancies between its records and those of state authorities. For instance, admissions to 23 PG medical seats in Bengaluru were put on hold due to mismatches between NMC and Directorate of Medical Education (DME) lists. Such actions ensure that seat allocations are transparent and accurate.
    • Annual Increase of PG Seats: The NMC has facilitated the process for medical institutions to apply for an increase in PG seats for the academic year 2025-26. By inviting applications and setting clear guidelines, the commission aims to enhance the availability of PG medical seats, thereby reducing the likelihood of vacancies.

    Way forward: 

    • Enhance Pre-Clinical Career Prospects: Introduce incentives like research grants, industry collaborations, and fellowship programs to improve career progression and salary prospects for pre-clinical graduates.
    • Targeted Seat Distribution and Quality Monitoring: Implement region-specific seat allocation policies and strengthen regulatory oversight to ensure quality education and equitable access across underserved states.

  • Women in South India, Delhi, Punjab have higher levels of obesity 

    Why in the News?

    About 25% of men and women in India were overweight or obese in 2019-21, a 4% increase from 2015-16. Obesity is more common among women in South Indian states, Delhi, and Punjab, but it is rising faster among men.

    What is the definition of “overweight” and “obese” based on BMI measurements in the National Family Health Survey?

    • Overweight: BMI between 25.0 and 29.9. Example: A person who is 1.65 m (5’5″) tall and weighs 70 kg would have a BMI of 25.7, categorizing them as overweight.
    • Obese: BMI of 30.0 or above. Example: A person who is 1.70 m (5’7″) tall and weighs 90 kg would have a BMI of 31.1, classifying them as obese.
    • Calculation Formula: BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ (Height in meters)². Example: If a person is 1.60 m tall and weighs 60 kg, their BMI would be: BMI=601.6×1.6=23.4\text{BMI} = \frac{60}{1.6 \times 1.6} = 23.4BMI=1.6×1.660​=23.4 (Healthy range).

    When did the share of overweight and obese individuals in India significantly increase? 

    • Period of Increase (2015-16 to 2019-21): The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) recorded a significant rise in the share of overweight and obese individuals between 2015-16 (NFHS-4) and 2019-21 (NFHS-5).
    • Increase in Overweight Individuals: Women: Increased from 15.5% in 2015-16 to 17.6% in 2019-21 (a rise of 2.1 percentage points). Men: Increased from 15.9% in 2015-16 to 18.9% in 2019-21 (a rise of 3 percentage points).
      • Example: In Delhi, the proportion of overweight men and women was among the highest in the country during 2019-21.
    • Increase in Obese Individuals: Women: Increased from 5.1% in 2015-16 to 6.4% in 2019-21. Men: Increased from 3% in 2015-16 to 4% in 2019-21. Example: Punjab recorded one of the sharpest increases in obesity among women during this period.

    Which Indian states reported the highest increase in obesity levels?

    • Northern States with Sharp Increases: Delhi and Punjab recorded the highest increase in obesity levels for both men and women between 2015-16 and 2019-21. Example: Delhi had the largest proportion of obese and overweight men in the country by 2019-21.
    • Southern States with Persistent High Obesity Rates: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka consistently reported high obesity levels, with a notable rise over the survey period. Example: In Kerala, a significant portion of the population—both men and women—crossed the obesity threshold by 2019-21.
    • States with Accelerated Growth in Obesity: States in the South and North-West witnessed faster increases in obesity, reflecting a shift toward unhealthy dietary habits like increased consumption of fried foods and aerated drinks. Example: Punjab experienced a sharp increase in the share of obese women, making it one of the top states for rising obesity.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian government? 

    • Public Awareness Campaigns: The government promotes healthy lifestyle choices through initiatives like “Eat Right India” and “Fit India Movement” to encourage balanced diets and physical activity. Example: In Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister advised reducing oil consumption by 10% monthly to combat obesity.
    • School-Based Interventions: Implement nutrition guidelines in midday meal programs and ban junk food in and around school premises to promote healthy eating habits among children. Example: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued regulations to restrict high-fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) food sales in schools.
    • Policy and Regulation of Processed Foods: Introducing front-of-pack labeling for processed and packaged foods to inform consumers about high sugar, salt, and fat content. Example: FSSAI’s Eat Right Logo helps consumers identify healthier food options.
    • Lifestyle Disease Control Programs: The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) targets obesity, diabetes, and hypertension through screening and lifestyle modification programs. Example: Community health workers under Ayushman Bharat conduct health screenings for BMI and other risk factors.
    • Promotion of Traditional Wellness Practices: Encouraging the adoption of Yoga and Ayurveda through programs like International Yoga Day to promote holistic health and weight management. Example: The AYUSH Ministry organizes free Yoga sessions to spread awareness about natural ways to maintain healthy BMI levels.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Multi-Sectoral Collaboration: Enhance coordination between health, education, and food regulatory bodies to implement comprehensive obesity prevention programs. Example: Integrate nutrition education in school curricula and expand community-based health screenings.
    • Promote Sustainable Food Systems: Encourage the availability of affordable, nutritious foods and regulate ultra-processed foods through taxation and clear labeling. Example: Introduce subsidies for healthy food options and enforce strict advertising regulations for unhealthy products.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them? (UPSC IAS/2022)

  • A green signal for India to assert its health leadership

    Why in the News?

    Recently, the Budget has acknowledged health care as a cornerstone of national growth and development.

    What are India’s steps towards healthcare transformation in Budget 2025-26?

    • Increased Healthcare Spending: The budget includes a substantial allocation of ₹99,859 crore to the healthcare sector, marking a 9.8% increase from the previous fiscal year.
    • Expansion of Medical Education: The budget allocates resources to add 10,000 new seats in medical colleges across India in FY26, with plans to add 75,000 seats over the next five years. This expansion aims to address the rising demand for skilled healthcare professionals.
    • Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure: There is an increase of ₹1,000 crore allocation under the PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), which aims to strengthen health infrastructure at all levels.
    • Digital Health Focus: The budget emphasizes the expansion of digital health portfolios, including telemedicine and AI-driven diagnostic solutions, to bridge care gaps and offer efficient healthcare solutions to underserved regions.
    • Promoting Medical Tourism: With the launch of the ‘Heal in India’ initiative, the budget aims to position India as a top medical tourism destination by introducing on-arrival visas for international patients and streamlining visa norms.
    • Healthcare Coverage for Gig Workers: The budget extends Ayushman Bharat coverage to one crore gig workers, recognizing their contribution to the new-age services economy.
    • Support for AI in Healthcare: The budget announces the establishment of India’s Centre of Excellence for AI, and the expansion of the Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) initiative, will further propel research within the Indian healthcare sector.

    What would be the implications of Customs duty exemptions?

    • Cost Reduction: The budget includes a full exemption of customs duty on 36 life-saving drugs used to treat cancer, rare diseases, and other severe chronic conditions. This measure will significantly reduce the cost of these essential medications, making them more accessible to patients, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
    • Improved Access to Medications: The exemption extends to specific drugs under Patient Assistance Programs run by pharmaceutical companies, along with adding 37 new medicines and 13 new patient assistance programs by next year. This will improve access to critical medications for patients, particularly those with chronic conditions.

    What are the objectives of synergy – ‘Heal in India’?

    • Promote Medical Tourism: The ‘Heal in India’ initiative aims to promote medical tourism by simplifying visa procedures for international patients.
    • Establish India as a Global Healthcare Destination: By enhancing hospital infrastructure and streamlining visa processes, India is poised to become the preferred medical destination for international patients.

    What are the challenges in India? 

    • Inadequate Infrastructure: India faces a shortage of healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, leading to unequal access to services.
      • For example, India has only 0.9 beds per 1000 population, with only 30% of these beds located in rural areas. This is significantly lower than the WHO’s suggested norm of 3.5 beds per 1000 population.
      • The underdeveloped state of roads and railways, along with erratic power supply, further complicates the establishment of rural health facilities.
    • Financial Barriers: A significant portion of the population faces affordability issues, with many households bearing healthcare expenses out-of-pocket.
      • For instance, a large proportion of the Indian population lacks health insurance coverage, exacerbating the financial burden and limiting access to necessary healthcare services.
      • High costs of intensive care units (ICUs), averaging ₹60,000-90,000 per day, are beyond the reach of most Indians.
    • Shortage of Healthcare Professionals: There is a shortage of trained healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and specialists.
      • For example, shortages of surgeons, obstetricians and gynaecologists, general physicians, and paediatricians range from 74.2% to 81.6% of the required strength in Community Health Centers (CHCs). The doctor-patient ratio is significantly low, especially in rural areas.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Rural Healthcare Infrastructure – Increase investments in rural hospitals, improve transport and power infrastructure, and incentivize private sector participation to bridge accessibility gaps.
    • Expand Medical Workforce & Insurance Coverage – Enhance training programs for doctors and nurses, increase medical seats, and extend affordable health insurance schemes to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for low-income groups.

    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)

  • Eliminating elitism in mental health

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Labour and Employment’s 2024 report indicates that all States and Union Territories must complete harmonization and pre-publication of draft rules for new Labour Codes by March 31, 2025, allowing for mental health provisions.

    How does social inequality impact mental health access and outcomes?

    • Disparity in Access to Care: Social inequality leads to significant disparities in access to mental health care services. Individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds, particularly blue-collar workers, often face barriers such as lack of awareness, stigma, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure, resulting in a treatment gap of 70% to 92% for mental disorders in India.
    • Workplace Conditions: Blue-collar workers frequently endure demanding jobs with poor working conditions, job insecurity, and inadequate pay, which can exacerbate mental health issues. These conditions contribute to higher rates of stress and mental disorders among this demographic compared to their white-collar counterparts.
    • Limited Legislative Protections: The existing labor laws primarily focus on physical safety and do not adequately address mental health concerns. This legislative gap perpetuates the marginalization of blue-collar workers in accessing mental health resources and support.

    What legislative and policy changes are necessary to promote inclusivity in mental health care?

    • Rights-Based Framework: Establishing a rights and duty-based legislative framework that mandates employers to ensure both physical and mental well-being is crucial. This framework should include clear definitions of occupational diseases that encompass mental health issues arising from work conditions.
    • Inclusion of Mental Health in Labor Codes: The upcoming labor codes should explicitly incorporate provisions for mental health, creating a liability-based framework for employers to prioritize the mental well-being of their employees. This includes recognizing stress-related conditions as occupational hazards eligible for compensation.
    • Awareness and Accessibility Initiatives: Legislative measures should mandate employers to promote awareness of available mental health resources, such as helplines and support programs like Tele Manas, ensuring that blue-collar workers are informed and encouraged to seek help without stigma.

    What are the steps taken by the government? 

    • Implementation of National Mental Health Policies: The Indian government has implemented policies such as the National Mental Health Policy (2014), which emphasizes the integration of mental health services into primary healthcare.
    • Launch of Mental Health Initiatives and Helplines: Initiatives like Tele Manas, a government-run mental health support service, have been introduced to provide confidential telephonic counselling for individuals.
    • Increased Mental Health Awareness through Education and Campaigns: Programs like the “Mental Health Awareness Campaign” and partnerships with organizations like WHO have aimed to educate the public about mental health.

    How can societal attitudes towards mental health be transformed to reduce stigma? (Way forward)

    • Education and Awareness Campaigns: Raising awareness through national and local campaigns can help normalize mental health discussions. For example, the “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” campaign in India aimed at addressing mental health issues in the workplace.
    • Media Representation and Positive Portrayal: The media plays a significant role in shaping public attitudes. Portraying individuals with mental health issues as strong, resilient, and capable of leading successful lives can help shift negative perceptions. For instance, Bollywood movies like “Dear Zindagi”.
    • Involvement of Influential Figures: Public figures such as celebrities, politicians, and community leaders can be instrumental in reducing stigma by sharing their personal mental health stories. When Virat Kohli, an Indian cricketer, spoke openly about struggling with mental health issues, it made a powerful impact and encouraged others.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q  ”Economic growth in the recent past has been led by increase in labour productivity.” Explain this statement. Suggest the growth pattern that will lead to creation of more jobs without compromising labour productivity. (UPSC IAS/2022)