Public Health Policy-

TANMOY MUKHERJI INSTITUTE OF JURIDICAL SCIENCE

Dr. Tanmoy Mukherji

Advocate

 

Public Health Policy-

Tanmoy Mukherji

Advocate

Meaning-

Public Health Policy refers to government actions, laws, programmes and strategies aimed at protecting and improving the health of the public.

It includes:

→Prevention of diseases

→Medical infrastructure

→Vaccination

→Nutrition

→Sanitation

→Affordable healthcare

→Mental health protection

Objectives of Public Health Policy-

→Improvement of public health

→Reduction of mortality rate

→Prevention of epidemics

→Universal healthcare access

→Protection of vulnerable groups

→Promotion of hygiene and sanitation

Components of Public Health Policy-

1. Preventive Healthcare-

Focuses on preventing diseases before they occur.

Examples:

→Vaccination programmes

→Health awareness campaigns

→Regular health check-ups

2. Curative Healthcare-

Treatment of diseases through hospitals and medical services.

Includes:

→Government hospitals

→Primary Health Centres (PHCs)

→Emergency medical care

3. Rehabilitative Healthcare-

Helps patients recover and return to normal life.

Examples:

→Rehabilitation centres

→Mental health support

→Disability assistance

Important Public Health Policies in India-

National Health Policy, 2017-

Main objective: "Health for All"

Features:

→Affordable healthcare,

→Digital health services,

→Increase public health expenditure,

→Universal health coverage.

Ayushman Bharat Scheme-

Major health insurance programme of India.

Features:

→Financial protection for poor families,

→Free treatment in empanelled hospitals,

→Health and Wellness Centres.

National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)-

Launched for improving rural healthcare facilities.

Focus Areas:

→Maternal healthcare,

→Child healthcare,

→Rural hospitals,

→ Immunization.

Swachh Bharat Mission

Health policy connected with sanitation and hygiene.

Objectives:

→Elimination of open defecation,

→Clean drinking water,

→Public sanitation.

Public Health Infrastructure in India-

Challenges in India-

→Lack of doctors in rural areas,

→Poor infrastructure,

→High population,

→Malnutrition,

→Pollution,

→Spread of communicable diseases,

→Low public expenditure.

Role of Technology-

Telemedicine,

Online consultation,

Health databases

Digital Health Mission.

COVID-19 AND PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY-

COVID-19 highlighted the importance of strong public health systems.

Government Measures:

→Vaccination drives

→Lockdown policies

→Aarogya Setu App

→Free vaccination programme

ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS-

World Health Organization (WHO) helps countries improve healthcare systems and control diseases globally.

LANDMARK CASE LAWS-

IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY-

→Healthy population increases productivity

→Reduces poverty

→Improves life expectancy

→Strengthens human development

→Essential for economic growth

CONCLUSION-

Public Health Policy is essential for building a healthy nation. In India, effective health policies help in reducing diseases, improving sanitation, protecting poor citizens and ensuring social justice. A strong healthcare system is necessary for sustainable national development.