Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3), part of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. This goal aims to address various health challenges, improve healthcare infrastructure, and reduce the burden of diseases worldwide. In the context of India, SDG3 holds immense significance as the country grapples with a diverse range of health-related issues.
Statistics for India
India is home to a population of over 1.4 billion people, making it one of the most populous countries globally. However, despite progress in various areas, India continues to face substantial health challenges. Some key health statistics from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 5 include:
Sex Ratio: In 2019-2021, there were 1,020 women per 1,000 men, the highest in any NFHS survey or census since 1881.
Sex Ratio at Birth: The sex ratio at birth remains skewed towards boys, with 952 girls per 1,000 boys (natural SRB).
Total Fertility Rate (TFR): TFR was 2 in 2019-2021, just below the replacement rate of 2.1. Urban TFR was already below replacement in 2015-16.
Children's Nutrition: Stunting declined from 38% to 36%, wasting from 21% to 19%, underweight from 36% to 32%, and overweight increased from 2.1% to 3.4%.
Anaemia: Incidence of anaemia worsened across all groups: under-5 children (67%), women (57%), men (25%).
Immunization: Full immunization coverage among 12-23 month-olds improved from 62% to 76%.
Institutional Births: Institutional births increased from 79% to 89% at all-India levels.
India's Position and Commitment
Recognizing the critical importance of SDG3, India has shown a strong commitment to achieving its targets. The government has taken steps to address various health issues, such as improving maternal and child health, reducing communicable diseases, and enhancing access to healthcare services.
Plans, Programs, and Schemes by India towards SDG 3
Ayushman Bharat: Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY): Launched in September 2018, this scheme aims to provide health coverage to over 500 million vulnerable and economically weaker citizens. It provides financial protection against high medical costs and covers various medical treatments and procedures.
National Health Mission (NHM): This program focuses on improving maternal and child health, reducing infant and maternal mortality rates, and providing essential healthcare services in both rural and urban areas.
Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A): This initiative aims to provide comprehensive healthcare to women and children, covering aspects such as antenatal care, immunization, family planning, and nutrition.
Mission Indradhanush: With the goal of expanding immunization coverage, this program targets children and pregnant women in underserved areas. It aims to provide full immunization against preventable diseases.
National AIDS Control Programme (NACP): Launched to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS, this program focuses on prevention, care, support, and treatment for those affected by the disease. It aims to reduce new infections and improve the quality of life for people living with HIV.
National Mental Health Programme: This initiative addresses the growing concerns around mental health issues by promoting awareness, reducing stigma, and ensuring access to mental health services.
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA): This initiative seeks to provide comprehensive antenatal care to pregnant women, ensuring safe motherhood and reducing maternal and neonatal mortality.
Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY): Although now subsumed under Ayushman Bharat, RSBY was a health insurance scheme targeting families below the poverty line. It aimed to provide financial protection against high medical expenses.
Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK): JSSK is designed to ensure free maternal and neonatal care for pregnant women and infants, covering services such as institutional delivery, postnatal care, and newborn care.
National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS): This program focuses on the prevention and control of major non-communicable diseases, aiming to reduce their prevalence and associated morbidity and mortality.
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): PMMVY provides financial assistance to pregnant women and lactating mothers to ensure adequate nutrition during pregnancy and childbirth.
National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP): With a focus on reducing tobacco consumption, NTCP works on awareness campaigns, policy enforcement, and providing cessation services to support those looking to quit tobacco use.
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign): While primarily focused on sanitation, this campaign indirectly contributes to SDG 3 by reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases and promoting better health and hygiene practices.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite these efforts, India faces several challenges in achieving SDG 3. Limited access to healthcare services in rural and remote areas, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and socio-economic disparities remain significant obstacles. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the need for a resilient healthcare system.
To overcome these challenges, India must focus on increasing healthcare spending, enhancing healthcare infrastructure, promoting preventive healthcare measures, and strengthening the healthcare workforce. Collaborative efforts involving government agencies, non-governmental organizations, private sectors, and international organizations are crucial for achieving the targets of SDG 3.
Conclusion
India's commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 3 underscores its dedication to improving healthcare and well-being for its citizens. With a mix of policies, programs, and schemes aimed at various aspects of healthcare, India is striving to address its healthcare challenges and create a healthier nation. By pursuing these efforts collectively and consistently, India can contribute significantly to achieving the global goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.
Source: The Global Goals | NFHS5
Note for UPSC Aspirants: For UPSC aspirants interested in exploring further, here are some keywords to guide your research: Sustainable Development Goals, Public Health Initiatives, National Family Health Survey 5, Mental Health, TB Elimination, Anemia Mukt Bharat.
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