Subject: Social Justice

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that access to primary healthcare is not just a fundamental human right but also a cornerstone of socio-economic development. India's commitment to universal health coverage through initiatives like Ayushman Bharat reflects both its welfare state obligations and development aspirations.

Primary Health Structure as a Moral Imperative

• Constitutional Mandate: Article 21's right to life includes the right to health, making it a fundamental responsibility of the welfare state to provide healthcare access.

• Social Justice: Primary healthcare ensures equitable access to essential health services, particularly benefiting vulnerable sections through schemes like PM-JAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana).

• Financial Protection: The welfare state's role in preventing health-related poverty through initiatives like Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) that provide free primary care services.

Link Between Healthcare and Sustainable Development

• Economic Productivity: A healthy workforce contributes to economic growth, with studies showing that every 1% improvement in health indicators leads to a 2.5% increase in GDP growth.

• Human Capital Formation: Primary healthcare infrastructure supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), ensuring a productive population through preventive and curative care.

• Social Development Indicators: The National Health Mission has contributed to reducing maternal mortality and infant mortality rates, exceeding global averages.

Challenges and Way Forward

• Infrastructure Gaps: Need for strengthening Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and rural healthcare facilities to ensure last-mile delivery.

• Workforce Shortages: Addressing the deficit of healthcare professionals through initiatives like Mid-level Healthcare Provider training programs.

• Resource Allocation: Efficient utilization of funds and implementation of Digital Health Mission for better healthcare management.

The symbiotic relationship between primary healthcare and sustainable development is evident in India's improved health indicators and their positive impact on socio-economic progress. The success of welfare state initiatives like Ayushman Bharat demonstrates that investing in primary healthcare is not just a moral obligation but a strategic necessity for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.