Health and Education in India: Current Status, Challenges & More
Health and education remain decidedly prominent in India’s development approach, highly relevant to its overall socio-economic advancements and world standing. Because it is well aware that these two sectors are indeed crucial for the country, the government has not shirked from formulating healthcare and education systems of nationwide coherence to further this goal of upgrading living standards and empowerment of citizens, whose population has crossed the billion mark already.
Besides, the healthcare sector, with schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, has also enabled treatment at a reduced rate. Similarly, policies like the New Education Policy 2020 are making a sincere effort to enhance learning methodologies and a more inclusive education system that is pivotal for India to realize the objectives of achieving universal health and education coverage, especially a healthier and well-educated workforce to drive the economy in the coming decades.
Health Indicators
The health and education in India have made significant strides over the years, yet they still face numerous challenges. According to the National Health Profile 2021, India’s life expectancy at birth has increased to 69.4 years, but it remains below the global average of 72.6 years. The maternal mortality rate (MMR) stands at 113 per 100,000 live births, an improvement but still higher than the global target of 70 by 2030 under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Infant mortality rate (IMR) has decreased to 30 per 1,000 live births, yet significant disparities exist between urban (23) and rural (34) areas.
Education Indicators
In education, India has achieved near-universal enrollment in primary education, with a Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of 99.2% for classes I–V. However, the GER for higher education is only 27.1%, indicating a significant dropout rate. Literacy rates have improved, reaching 77.7% as per the National Statistical Office (NSO) survey 2020, but gender and regional disparities persist, with male literacy at 84.7% and female literacy at 70.3%.
Government Policies and Programs
Health Sector Schemes
National Health Mission (NHM): Launched in 2013, the NHM aims to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to rural and urban populations. Key components include the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM). The NHM focuses on reducing MMR and IMR and improving healthcare infrastructure.
Ayushman Bharat: Introduced in 2018, this scheme includes the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), which provides health insurance coverage of up to INR 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. Additionally, it aims to establish 150,000 Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) to provide comprehensive primary healthcare.
Education Sector Policies
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA): Launched in 2001, SSA aims to achieve universalization of elementary education. It focuses on improving school infrastructure, teacher quality, and learning outcomes. SSA has been subsumed under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, which integrates education from preschool to class 12.
Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA): Initiated in 2009, RMSA aims to enhance access to secondary education and improve its quality. The program focuses on reducing dropout rates and ensuring universal access to secondary education.
Infrastructure: Despite improvements, many rural areas still lack adequate healthcare facilities and professionals. The doctor-to-patient ratio in India is 1:1456, significantly below the WHO-recommended 1:1000.
Funding: Public health expenditure in India is around 1.2% of GDP, one of the lowest among BRICS countries, hindering the effective delivery of healthcare services.
Access: Socio-economic disparities and the rural-urban divide significantly affect access to quality healthcare. Tribal and remote regions often suffer from a lack of basic health services.
Challenges in the Education Sector Challenges
Quality of Education: Despite high enrollment rates, the quality of education remains a concern. According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2021, only 50.3% of class V students can read a class II level text.
Infrastructure: Many schools, especially in rural areas, lack basic infrastructure such as toilets, drinking water, and electricity. This impacts student attendance and retention.
Funding and Resources: Public expenditure on education is around 3.1% of GDP, which is lower than the global average. This underfunding affects teacher salaries, training, and availability of educational resources.
Innovative Approaches and Solutions
Health Sector Innovations
Telemedicine and Digital Health: Initiatives like eSanjeevani, a telemedicine service, have been crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing remote consultations and reducing the burden on healthcare facilities.
Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs): These centers focus on comprehensive primary healthcare, including preventive and promotive health, contributing to improved health outcomes at the grassroots level.
Education Sector Innovations
Digital Learning Platforms: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital learning platforms like DIKSHA and SWAYAM, enabling remote education and continuous learning despite school closures.
Skill Development Programs: Initiatives like Skill India and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) focus on vocational training and skill development, enhancing employability, and bridging the gap between education and industry requirements.
Future Prospects and Policy Recommendations
Increase Public Health Expenditure: Raising health expenditure to at least 2.5% of GDP by 2025, as recommended by the National Health Policy 2017, can significantly improve healthcare infrastructure and services.
Strengthen Primary Healthcare: Expanding the network of HWCs and improving the quality of primary healthcare can reduce the burden on tertiary care facilities and ensure early detection and management of diseases.
Enhance Funding: Increasing public expenditure on education to 6% of GDP, as recommended by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, is essential for improving infrastructure, teacher training, and learning outcomes.
Focus on Quality Education: Implementing NEP 2020 recommendations, such as holistic and experiential learning, can enhance the quality of education. Emphasizing teacher training and continuous professional development is crucial.
Reduce Socio-Economic Disparities: Targeted programs to bridge the rural-urban divide and socio-economic disparities in health and education can ensure equitable access and improved outcomes.
Conclusion
India’s health and education sectors have made commendable progress, yet significant challenges remain. Addressing these challenges requires increased investment, innovative solutions, and an integrated approach. By focusing on improving infrastructure, quality, and access, India can achieve its goal of universal health coverage and quality education for all. therefore, paving the way for sustainable development and improved quality of life for its citizens.