Syllabus: GS–II & V Health

Why in the News?

On World Health Day 2026, the World Health Organization highlighted the theme “Together for health. Stand with science”, drawing global attention to health inequities and the need for science-based, inclusive healthcare systems.

What are Health Inequities?

• Health inequities refer to avoidable and unfair differences in health outcomes among different population groups.
• They arise due to differences in: Income, Education, Gender, Geography and Access to healthcare
  • For Example: Poor rural families often have less access to hospitals compared to urban populations.

Global Scenario

• Around 2 billion people face catastrophic health expenditure, meaning healthcare pushes them into poverty.
• Nearly 30 percent of the global population lacks access to essential health services.
• Factors like:
  • Climate change
  • Pandemics (Covid-19)
  • Conflicts and economic crises
    have worsened inequalities.

Northeast India Context 

States like Assam and Arunachal Pradesh reflect the challenges of health inequities.

• Low education levels: Only about 29.6% women in Assam have 10+ years of schooling
• Low female workforce participation: Only 19% women earn cash income (NFHS-5)
• Poverty and lack of awareness affect:
  • Nutrition
  • Health-seeking behaviour

Link with Sustainable Development Goals

Health inequities are closely linked to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 4: Quality Education

Key Idea: Poor nutrition and education directly lead to poor health outcomes.

One Health Approach

• • One Health Approach is led by the Quadripartite collaboration — including WHO, FAO, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the World Organisation for Animal Health. 
  • In October 2022, they launched the One Health Joint Plan of Action.
  • The One Health Summit in Lyon, France is currently under way.
  • The One Health approach, connects:

• Human health
• Animal health
• Environmental health

Government Initiatives & Frameworks

India has taken steps to reduce health inequities:

• Ayushman Bharat Scheme: Provides health insurance to poor families
• National Health Mission: Strengthens rural and urban healthcare
• Poshan Abhiyaan: Focuses on nutrition improvement
• Jal Jeevan Mission: Ensures safe drinking water

Key Challenges

• Persistent poverty and unemployment
• Unequal access between rural and urban areas
• High out-of-pocket expenditure
• Weak health infrastructure in remote regions
• Gender inequality limiting women’s access

Way Forward

• Strengthening primary healthcare systems
• Promoting science-based policymaking
• Expanding health insurance coverage
• Improving education and awareness
• Encouraging community participation and trust in science

Important Term 

• QALY (Quality Adjusted Life Years): A measure of disease burden considering both quality and quantity of life.
•  Universal Health Coverage: Ensuring all people receive quality health services without financial hardship.
• One Health: A collaborative approach recognising that human health is linked with animals and the environment.
• NFHS (National Family Health Survey): A large-scale survey that provides data on health and family welfare in India.
• Catastrophic Health Spending: When medical expenses exceed a large share of a household’s income.

Exam Hook

Mains Question:
“Health inequities remain a major barrier to inclusive development in India.” Discuss with reference to social determinants of health.

Key Takeaways

• Health inequities are systemic and avoidable differences in health outcomes.
• They are closely linked to poverty, education, and gender inequality.
• Science-based policies and universal health coverage are key solutions.
• The One Health approach is crucial in the modern world.

One-Line Wrap

Health inequities highlight the urgent need for inclusive, science-driven systems to ensure that healthcare reaches every individual, leaving no one behind.

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