Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Define the importance of public healthcare as a fundamental right and the role of the state in ensuring access to it. Briefly mention the adverse impacts of the marketisation of healthcare. 2. Adverse Impact of Marketisation High Costs: Explain ...
Model Answer Introduction India, despite being the world’s largest producer of milk and pulses and the second-largest producer of rice, wheat, vegetables, and fruits, ranks 111th in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2023. This discrepancy highlights the persistent malnutrition crisis in the country, whiRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
India, despite being the world’s largest producer of milk and pulses and the second-largest producer of rice, wheat, vegetables, and fruits, ranks 111th in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2023. This discrepancy highlights the persistent malnutrition crisis in the country, which continues to affect millions, especially among vulnerable populations.
Reasons for Malnutrition in India
1. Poverty and Accessibility Issues
High poverty levels severely limit the affordability and accessibility of nutritious food. Poor maternal nutrition, lack of adequate healthcare, and insufficient access to sanitation further contribute to malnutrition. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 18.7% of women of reproductive age suffer from malnutrition, and 57% of them are anemic. This malnutrition is passed on to children, perpetuating the cycle.
2. Lack of Dietary Diversification
The Green Revolution, while successful in increasing the production of staple crops like rice and wheat, failed to address the need for a diversified diet. The focus remained on high-yielding varieties of staples, neglecting the importance of essential micronutrients. Open-ended procurement of rice and wheat at Minimum Support Price (MSP) disincentivizes farmers from growing diverse, nutritious crops, further exacerbating the issue.
3. Overconsumption of Unhealthy Foods
A significant portion of the population in India consumes unhealthy, processed foods that are high in calories but lack essential nutrients. Approximately 38% of India’s population consumes salty or fried snacks, which contribute to poor health and malnutrition.
4. Inefficiencies in Nutrition Program Implementation
India’s extensive nutrition programs often suffer from inefficiencies such as administrative corruption, poor targeting of beneficiaries, and lack of coordination between government departments. For instance, the Public Distribution System (PDS) faces leakages, leading to food insecurity among many intended beneficiaries.
Conclusion
To tackle malnutrition effectively and achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-2, India needs to prioritize diet diversification, improve maternal nutrition, and enhance the monitoring and implementation of nutrition programs. This will ensure that every individual has access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food.
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Model Answer Introduction Recognizing healthcare as an essential fundamental right for every citizen is crucial for the welfare of society. The Indian Constitution, through Directive Principles (Article 47), underscores the State’s responsibility in ensuring the health of its population. Recently, tRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Recognizing healthcare as an essential fundamental right for every citizen is crucial for the welfare of society. The Indian Constitution, through Directive Principles (Article 47), underscores the State’s responsibility in ensuring the health of its population. Recently, the Supreme Court reaffirmed this, emphasizing universal healthcare access in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for stronger public health systems.
Adverse Impact of Marketisation of the Public Healthcare System
Role Played by State in Enhancing Public Healthcare
Measures to Contain the Adverse Impact of Marketisation
Conclusion
Going ahead, the State must ensure that its interventions in the healthcare sector align with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3—ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. This includes universal health coverage, reducing inequalities (SDG 10), and building resilient healthcare infrastructure (SDG 9).
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