Voice for a Sustainable Planet

Public Health

Personalised care for an elderly man at Medhihala Sub-Health Centre, Karnataka

The journey of global public health – from tackling plague to modern day pandemics – has been marked by a relentless pursuit of progress and a commitment towards safeguarding human life.

The expansion of immunisation coverage has resulted in a significant decline in child mortality. The number of children dying before the age of five reduced from 1 in 11 in 1990 to 1 in 27 in 2023 as per UNICEF. Access to vaccines, provision of essential health services, and reduced exposure to health risks like tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and child under-nutrition, due to awareness campaigns etc., have contributed towards improvement in various health related parameters and led to positive outcomes. Improved hygiene and sanitation in many parts of the world have reduced the prevalence and virulence of many pathogenic organisms across the world resulting in fewer disease outbreaks.
Figure: Under-5 mortality rate over the years (Source- UNICEF)

However, challenges persist. The alarming statistic that 99% of the global population breathes unhealthy air with high levels of fine particulate matter, is of serious concern. The prevalence of obesity is showing an upward trend, raising concerns for public health. Climate change has emerged as a critical factor impacting all aspects of health, from clean air, water, and soil to food systems and livelihoods. Urgent action to address climate change is imperative to mitigate health risks, preserve the gains made in global health, and uphold the human right to health for all.
In the face of these challenges, the healthcare sector seeks innovative solutions through new technologies and data-driven and evidence-based approaches.

Tech-driven approaches to Public Health

Collaborative effort between nations is crucial to ensure a healthier and more equitable world. As we navigate the complexities of public health, the path ahead lies in learning from past mistakes and building on past successes, embracing emerging technologies, and standing united in our commitment to create a thriving global health landscape for generations to come.
In the face of these challenges, the healthcare sector seeks innovative solutions through new technologies and data-driven and evidence-based approaches. Collaborative effort between nations is crucial to ensure a healthier and more equitable world.
“24% of all estimated global deaths are linked to the environment ”

- WHO

Health as a part of Right to Life, is a fundamental human right, serves as the cornerstone of India’s healthcare system, aiming to provide access to quality medical services for all of its more than 1.43 billion citizens. The nation boasts of a multifaceted healthcare landscape, comprising both government-run and private facilities, collectively working towards ensuring a healthy life for all. The healthcare sector in India not only takes care of health needs but, in turn, this sector is also one of the largest employers, with an impressive workforce of 4.7 million individuals as of 2021. Remarkably, the sector has contributed significantly to job creation, generating a staggering 2.7 million additional jobs between 2017-22, an average of over 500,000 new positions annually.
India’s healthcare industry finds strength in its vast reservoir of well-trained professionals, making it a global contender in the medical field. Moreover, the country’s cost competitiveness has attracted keen attention worldwide. The cost of quality medical procedures in India is a fraction of what is charged in the United States or Western Europe, attracting patients from far and wide.
To address the diverse needs of its population and tackle the associated challenges, India has taken up various measures in the healthcare sector resulting in improved accessibility and availability of medical services across the nation. With a firm commitment to upholding the human right to health for every citizen, India’s healthcare system continues to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of its people.
India’s far-sighted health policies have had a transformative impact on the nation’s healthcare landscape. The nation witnessed the government’s foresight during the COVID-19 pandemic, with early implementation of containment measures and the establishment of a vaccine task force. This preparedness allowed India to administer over 220 crore vaccine doses and emerge as a global leader in vaccine diplomacy through the Vaccine Maitri initiative.
The focus on future-proofing the healthcare ecosystem is evident in decisions like replacing the Medical Council of India with the National Medical Commission to combat corruption and the establishment of integrated public health labs across districts.

Digital Health for Universal Health Coverage

The government’s commitment to universal health coverage is exemplified by flagship schemes like Ayushman Bharat- PM Jan Arogya Yojana, ensuring millions of poor families access to medical care, and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, leveraging health tech for evidence-based decision-making and digitisation of health records. Known as the pharmacy of the world, efforts to make quality generic medicines accessible through the PM Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana and Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) pharmacies have brought significant relief to citizens. Promoting alternative therapies like Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy have resulted in their increased adoption both in India and abroad.

In order to give priority to maternal and child health, initiatives like Mission Indradhanush, that focus on immunisation of expectant mothers and children, have proved very useful in reducing child mortality rates.

The holistic approach of the government towards healthcare has transformed the nation’s healthcare landscape, with better access, affordability, and resilience to the healthcare system and setting an inspiring example for other countries.

The Sankala Foundation is working on policy issues and best practices to address the critical public health issues that aim to improve the overall well-being of people. From facilitating digital healthcare facilities in underserved areas to conducting health education programmes that empower individuals and communities, the foundation plays a pivotal role in enhancing healthcare access and awareness.
To know more, read our publications: Leveraging Digital Solutions for Universal Health Coverage.
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