UPSC Mains 2024 GS2 Q17 — Public Healthcare Policy
In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system the Indian State should paly a vital role to contain the adverse impact of marketisation of the system. Suggest some measures through which the State can enhance the reach of public healthcare at the grassroots level. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Suggest
- Scope keywords
- public healthcare systemIndian Statemarketisation of the systemadverse impactreach of public healthcaregrassroots level
- Implicit sub-parts
- Analysis of how marketisation has created inequities or adverse impacts in Indian healthcare.
- The constitutional and ethical mandate for the State's intervention as a provider and regulator.
- Structural and administrative measures to strengthen primary healthcare and community-level delivery.
- Technological and financial innovations to bridge the rural-urban divide in healthcare access.
- Common pitfalls
- Focusing too much on private sector criticism without suggesting constructive State-led solutions.
- Ignoring the 'grassroots' aspect by discussing only tertiary care or national-level policy frameworks.
- Failing to mention the role of PRIs (Panchayati Raj Institutions) and ASHA workers in the grassroots delivery mechanism.
- Neglecting the regulatory role of the State (Clinical Establishments Act, price capping) as a means to contain marketisation.
- Dimensions required
- Socio-economic (equity and affordability)Constitutional (Article 21 and 47)Governance (Decentralization and PRI involvement)Technological (Digital health interventions)Fiscal (Public spending as a percentage of GDP)
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate approximately 50-60 words to establishing the context of marketisation and why State intervention is necessary. Use the remaining 190 words to provide a detailed, multi-dimensional roadmap of measures focused specifically on grassroots reach, ensuring a balance between infrastructure, human resources, and regulatory oversight.
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