What is Public Health System?
Historical Background
Key Points
8 points- 1.
Public health and sanitation are listed under Entry 6 of the State List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, making it primarily a state subject.
- 2.
The National Health Policy 2017 aims to achieve universal health coverage and provide quality healthcare services to all.
- 3.
The National Health Mission (NHM) comprises the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM), focusing on strengthening public health infrastructure.
- 4.
Key components include Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), and sub-centres as the backbone of rural healthcare.
- 5.
Focus on disease surveillance, immunization programs, maternal and child health, and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases.
- 6.
Government schemes like Ayushman Bharat aim to provide health insurance coverage and strengthen health and wellness centres.
- 7.
Challenges include inadequate funding (public health spending is ~1.2-1.5% of GDP), shortage of healthcare professionals, and disparities in access.
- 8.
Ensuring access to safe drinking water and sanitation is a critical component of public health, preventing water-borne diseases.
Visual Insights
Key Components of the Public Health System
Illustrates the interconnected components of the public health system and their relevance to UPSC.
Public Health System
- ●Healthcare Infrastructure
- ●National Health Programs
- ●Preventive Healthcare
- ●Key Stakeholders
Evolution of Public Health System in India
Shows the key milestones in the evolution of the public health system in India.
The public health system in India has evolved significantly since independence, with a growing focus on accessibility, affordability, and quality of healthcare.
- 1946Bhore Committee Report
- 1947Independence and focus on building a national health system
- 2005Launch of National Health Mission (NHM)
- 2017National Health Policy (NHP) aims to increase public health expenditure to 2.5% of GDP by 2025
- 2020Launch of National Digital Health Mission (NDHM)
- 2020-2023COVID-19 pandemic highlighted strengths and weaknesses of the public health system
- 2026Ongoing efforts to strengthen primary healthcare and digital health solutions
Recent Developments
5 developmentsThe COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant gaps and challenges in India's public health infrastructure and emergency preparedness.
Increased focus on strengthening health and wellness centres under Ayushman Bharat for comprehensive primary healthcare.
Launch of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) providing health insurance cover to vulnerable families.
Emphasis on digital health initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission for creating a unified digital health ecosystem.
Debates on increasing public health spending to 2.5% of GDP, as recommended by the National Health Policy 2017.