“Economic growth in the recent past has been led by increase in labour productivity.” Describe this assertion. Provide a growth trajectory that will increase employment without lowering labor productivity. (250 words) [UPSC 2022]
Model Answer Introduction India has witnessed a significant rise in life expectancy, improving from 50 years in the 1970s to approximately 70 years since 2015. This advancement is attributed to better medical care, improved social conditions, and enhanced healthcare access. However, this increase haRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
India has witnessed a significant rise in life expectancy, improving from 50 years in the 1970s to approximately 70 years since 2015. This advancement is attributed to better medical care, improved social conditions, and enhanced healthcare access. However, this increase has also brought new health challenges to the forefront.
Emerging Health Challenges
A. Lifestyle Diseases
As life expectancy increases, non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and stroke have become more prevalent. These conditions significantly impact the quality of life for older adults and place an added burden on the healthcare system.
B. Geriatric Care Deficiency
India lacks specialized geriatric care, which is essential for addressing the unique medical needs of the elderly. The absence of long-term care, rehabilitation, and palliative services hampers effective healthcare delivery.
C. Mental Health Issues
The aging population is increasingly facing mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Social isolation among the elderly exacerbates these issues, making mental health support crucial.
D. Rising Healthcare Costs
Healthcare expenses for older adults have risen sharply, with costs increasing by 3.8 times compared to non-elderly households. Many elderly individuals lack health insurance, amplifying their financial burden.
E. Strain on Public Health Resources
The growing elderly population places additional stress on an already overstretched public healthcare system, complicating resource distribution and management.
Steps to Address These Challenges
A. Enhanced Healthcare Access
Initiatives like Ayushman Bharat should be expanded to improve healthcare access, focusing on non-communicable diseases and preventive care.
B. Financial Support
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds should be directed toward elderly care, supplemented by comprehensive insurance schemes to provide free medical services.
C. Improved Facilities
Creating environments that support aging in place can help maintain the physical and mental well-being of older adults while keeping them engaged in their communities.
D. Proactive Care Approach
Shifting from reactive to proactive healthcare can alleviate concerns for families by ensuring regular check-ups and holistic care for the elderly.
Conclusion
Investing in community engagement for the elderly not only enhances their health and well-being but also benefits society as a whole. There is an urgent need for increased awareness of the challenges faced by older adults and the development of targeted interventions to address these issues effectively.
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Economic Growth and Labour Productivity **1. Role of Labour Productivity in Economic Growth: Labour productivity refers to the output per unit of labour input. Recent economic growth has been significantly driven by improvements in labour productivity. For instance, India's IT sector has seen tremenRead more
Economic Growth and Labour Productivity
**1. Role of Labour Productivity in Economic Growth:
**2. Recent Examples:
Growth Pattern for Job Creation and Labour Productivity
**1. Skill Development and Education:
**2. Support for Emerging Sectors:
**3. Entrepreneurship and Small Enterprises:
**4. Infrastructure Development:
By focusing on skill development, supporting emerging sectors, fostering entrepreneurship, and investing in infrastructure, India can create more jobs while maintaining high labour productivity. This balanced approach ensures sustainable economic growth and equitable job distribution.
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