Q.12) In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss.(UPSC CSE 2020) (Answer in 150 words,10-marks)

INTRODUCTION:

Social development is about inclusive and resilient societies and overcoming obstacles that prevent people from fully participating in society. Its indicators are advancement in health, education, women empowerment etc.It is also about expanding opportunities for all. The success of society is linked to the well-being of each and every citizen.Together with economic development and environmental sustainability, it is critical for poverty-reduction and inclusive growth.

HEALTH AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

• Health is intrinsic to social and economic development – as a determinant, a measure of progress and an outcome.Social development and reproductive health are interconnected. Growth in social development is expected to improve health over time. Additionally, improvement in health outcomes increases social development.
• Social development is focuses on improving the capacity to enhance the standard of living and quality of life. In order to build capacity at the individual and community levels, social development programmes must focus on health care issues. Healthcare policies can be cause for inclusion or exclusion. Improvement in health increases participation in the processes and benefits of social development.An affordable, high quality healthcare system is needed for society to succeed, particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care.

DEMOGRAPHIC SHIFTS AND DEMOGRAPHIC DIVIDE

• India’s young population will decline by 182 million by 2100(The Lancet). States such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi and Punjab are ageing at a rapid rate due to declining population growth rates.They will have to put greater focus on strengthening social and health security of older people,
• On the other hand, states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand lag behind in demographic transition due to high growth rates. In these states, the government will have to focus on a ensuring universal access to quality maternal health services.
• Overall, the government’s policies and programmes will have to focus on geriatric as well as maternal healthcare for improving prospects of social development.

GERIATRIC HEALTHCARE

• The large increase in human life expectancy over the years has resulted in a major shift in the age groups of 80 and above. The demographic profile depicts that in the years 2000-2050, the overall population in India will grow by 55% whereas population of people in their 60 years and above will increase by 326% and those in the age group of 80+ by 700% – the fastest growing group(National Policy on Senior Citizens 2011).
• With advancing age, senior citizens have to cope with health and associated problems some of which may be chronic, of a multiple nature, require constant attention and carry the risk of disability and consequent loss of autonomy. Some health problems, especially when accompanied by impaired functional capacity require long term management of illness and nursing care.
• Population ageing is a neglected issue in social development.Ill health is one of the biggest obstacles to older people’s contributions to the society. Majority of the healthcare services in India are not designed keeping in mind the evolving needs of senior citizens. As a result, access to affordable and senior-specific healthcare continues to remain a major challenge for them even today. To support healthy ageing for all seniors and to address age-related ailments, services such as preventive care, rehabilitative services, and geriatric care facilities need to be prioritized.

MATERNAL HEALTH CARE

• Maternal health and child survival reflects the entire spectrum of social development. Improvements in maternal health increases women’s participation in the processes and benefits of social development. It would also lead to overall progress of India through population stabilization.
• There are large inter- and intra-state inequities in maternal health service use and maternal deaths which demonstrate maternal health inequities in India. Although India has done well in promoting institutional deliveries, antenatal care and postnatal care lag behind.
• In the absence of adequate social services such as prenatal care, family planning and counselling, women’s reproductive health is likely to suffer. Threats to women’s reproductive health are not only likely to constrain women’s participation in developmental efforts but also to weaken the health of successive generations. These gaps in the coverage of essential maternal health care services are a barrier that impedes India’s progress.

CONCLUSION:

improvements in health outcomes lead to enhanced social development and vice- versa. Adequate focus on maternal and geriatric health ensures a healthy individual and society throughout the life cycle. Therefore, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health careo enhance the prospects of social development.