Achieving SDG Goal 3 in India: A Three-Pronged Strategy for Health and Well-being
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Social Development (Health, Nutrition, Sustainable Development Goals - SDGs); Social Sector Initiatives & Schemes (National Health Mission, Ayushman Bharat); International Reports.
Mains:
General Studies Paper 1 (Society): Population and associated issues.
General Studies Paper 2 (Health, Education, Governance): Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources; Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population.
General Studies Paper 3 (Economy): Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
Essay: Topics on Health, Education, Human Development, and Viksit Bharat.
Key Highlights from the News
India's rank in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index improved to 99, but the country still lags significantly in achieving SDG Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
Major Challenges: High Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), child mortality rate, low Life expectancy, and unaffordable healthcare costs (Out-of-pocket expenditure) for common people.
To overcome this crisis, the article proposes a three-pronged approach:
Implement Universal Health Insurance.
Strengthen Primary Health Centres and promote digital health.
Prioritize disease prevention and make health education in school curricula a mandatory subject.
Prevention is more cost-effective than cure. Healthy habits developed in childhood will shape the future of a generation.
Successful school health reforms in countries like Finland and Japan are excellent models for India.
Achieving these goals is essential for the long-term vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
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