Q. “Besides being a moral imperative of Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary pre-condition for sustainable development.” Analyze.
Question from UPSC Mains 2021 GS2 Paper
Model Answer:
Primary Health Structure: Moral Imperative and Pre-condition for Sustainable Development
Primary health structure forms the foundation of a nation’s healthcare system, providing essential services to all citizens. It serves as both a moral imperative for a Welfare State and a crucial prerequisite for sustainable development.
As a moral imperative:
• It upholds the right to health as a fundamental human right
• Ensures equitable access to healthcare (e.g., rural health centers)
• Reflects the state’s commitment to citizens’ well-being
Primary health structure as a pre-condition for sustainable development:
• Promotes a healthy, productive workforce
• Contributes to human capital development
• Supports achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3
Key impacts on sustainable development:
• Economic growth: A healthy population drives economic productivity
• Poverty reduction: Prevents health-related financial catastrophes
• Education: Healthy children perform better academically (e.g., school health programs)
• Gender equality: Improves maternal health and women’s participation in the workforce
Challenges:
• Resource constraints in developing countries
• Rural-urban disparities in healthcare access
• Shortage of trained healthcare professionals
Way forward:
• Increase public health expenditure
• Strengthen rural health infrastructure
• Implement comprehensive health policies (e.g., Ayushman Bharat in India)
• Foster public-private partnerships in healthcare delivery
Conclusion: Primary health structure is indispensable for societal welfare and sustainable growth, necessitating robust implementation and continuous improvement.
