HEALTH
Science
Health is a foundational investment in human capital and economic growth. Without good health, children cannot learn effectively and adults cannot work productively. Access to timely, acceptable, affordable and quality health care is a basic human right. The WHO Constitution (1946) recognizes the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right. Sustainable Development Goal 3 aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS RELATED TO HEALTH
• Article 39(e): Directs the State to ensure that the health and strength of workers, men, women and children are not abused.
• Article 42: Directs the State to make provisions for just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief.
• Article 47: Imposes a duty on the State to raise the level of nutrition, standard of living and improve public health.
• Article 243G: Empowers Panchayats and Municipalities to strengthen public health as part of local governance.
RIGHT TO HEALTH AS A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT
• The Supreme Court in Bandhua Mukti Morcha vs Union of India interpreted the right to health as an integral part of Article 21.
• In State of Punjab vs Mohinder Singh Chawla, the Court reaffirmed that the right to health is fundamental to the right to life.
HEALTH STRUCTURE IN INDIA
• Three-tier system: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary.
• Primary: Sub-Centres and PHCs.
• Secondary: CHCs and Sub-District Hospitals.
• Tertiary: District Hospitals, Medical Colleges and Super-Speciality Hospitals.
• Mixed public-private healthcare system.
UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE
• Ensures required health services without financial hardship.
• SDG 3.8 target.
• Prevents poverty due to medical expenses.
• Strengthens economic resilience and pandemic preparedness.
NATIONAL HEALTH POLICY 2017
• Increase health spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2025.
• Affordable drugs and devices.
• Strengthen health research and traditional medicine.
• Reduce mortality indicators and improve life expectancy.
HEALTH SCHEMES
• National Health Mission.
• Ayushman Bharat.
• PM Swasthya Suraksha Yojana.
• India Newborn Action Plan.
• e-Sanjeevani Telemedicine.
• National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly.
DIGITAL AND FUTURE INITIATIVES
• Digital Health Mission.
• One Health approach.
• PM Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana.
WASH AND MENTAL HEALTH
• WASH critical for disease prevention.
• Mental health challenges increased post-COVID.
• Manodarpan and national mental health guidelines implemented.
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Subject: Science
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