Preventive Healthcare and Public Health Policy
Social Justice & Development
- PYQs8
- Articles1
Background
This concept is central to India's health strategy, especially given the rising NCD burden and high out-of-pocket expenditure. It highlights the shift from a purely curative model to a more holistic, preventive approach, and how various socio-economic factors (like women's empowerment) can influence its success. Relevant for GS2 (Health, Welfare Schemes) and GS3 (Inclusive Growth).
Preventive healthcare focuses on measures taken to prevent diseases rather than curing them, encompassing aspects like nutrition, sanitation, healthy lifestyles, and early detection. Public health policy aims to improve population health through organized efforts, often prioritizing prevention to reduce disease burden and healthcare costs.
Facts & tables
- Rising NCD Burden
- India faces a growing epidemiological burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.
- Cost-Effectiveness
- Preventive care can significantly reduce the need for expensive curative treatments and lower overall healthcare expenditure.
- Determinants of Health
- Investments in nutrition, physical fitness, education, and timely preventive care are crucial determinants of health outside hospitals.
- Policy Integration
- Effective public health policy requires integrating preventive strategies with socio-economic factors, such as women's economic empowerment.
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Social Justice & Development |
Prelims angle
Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis
Prelims angle: Factual recall
- Focus on preventing diseases, not just curing.
- Crucial for tackling NCDs in India.
- Reduces healthcare expenditure in the long run.
- Influenced by socio-economic factors like income.
- Key component of India's development strategy.
| Year | Framing tags |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall |
| 2026 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2024 | Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall |
| 2023 | Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall |
| 2023 | Statement-based questions, Multi-statement analysis |
| 2023 | Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures |
| 2022 | Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall |
| 2021 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
Timeline
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Social Justice & Development
Conceptual area
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Prelims 2021
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
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Prelims 2022
Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall
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Prelims 2023
Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall
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Prelims 2023
Statement-based questions, Multi-statement analysis
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Prelims 2023
Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures
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Prelims 2024
Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall
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Prelims 2026
Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall
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Prelims 2026
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
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Linking women’s incomes and healthcare
Public health policy increasingly emphasizes preventive healthcare to combat the rising burden of NCDs and reduce healthcare costs, recognizing that socio-economic factors like women's empowerment are key drivers of household investment in prevention.
See also
No related topics linked yet.
Past papers
2021–2026 · 8 questions
In the news
Linking women’s incomes and healthcare
Public health policy increasingly emphasizes preventive healthcare to combat the rising burden of NCDs and reduce healthcare costs, recognizing that socio-economic factors like women's empowerment are key drivers of household investment in prevention.
Try these PYQs
Consider the following statements in the context of interventions being undertaken under Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy:
1. It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for pre-school children, adolescents and pregnant women.
2. It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of child-birth.
3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents.
4. It addresses non-nutritional causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
* Statement 1 is incorrect: Prophylactic Iron Folic Acid supplementation (not Prophylactic calcium) given to children, adolescents, women of reproductive age and pregnant women, irrespective of anaemia is a key continued intervention. * Statement 2 is correct: Promotion and monitoring of delayed clamping of the umbilical cord for at least 3 minutes (or until cord pulsations cease) for newborns across all health facilities will be carried out for improving the infants iron reserves up to 6 months after birth. Simultaneously, all birth attendants should make an effort to ensure early initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth. * Statement 3 is correct: The Anaemia Mukt Bharat, also integrates deworming of women of reproductive age and for pregnant women as part of the NDD strategy. Bi-annual mass deworming for children in the age groups between 1-19 years is carried out on designated dates 10th February and 10th August every year under National Deworming Day (NDD) programme. * Statement 4 is correct: The Anaemia Mukt Bharat strategy attempts to intensify awareness and integrate screening and treatment for non-nutritional causes of anaemia with special focus on malaria, haemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.
Consider the following statements :
Statement-I :India's public sector health care system largely focuses on curative care with limited preventive, promotive and rehabilitative care.
Statement-II: Under India's decentralized approach to health care delivery, the States are primarily responsible for organizing health services.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
* Statement I is correct: India's public healthcare system prioritises curative care, which focuses on treating existing illnesses. Preventive, promotive, and rehabilitative care, which aims to prevent diseases, promote good health, and help people recover from illness, receive less emphasis. * Statement II is correct: India's healthcare system follows a decentralised approach. The central government sets policies and provides financial assistance, but individual states are responsible for organising and delivering health services to their populations. This allows for flexibility based on local needs and contexts.
Therefore, the answer is Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.
Which of the following statements with regard to the persons with disabilities in India is/are correct ?
1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, an Act passed by the Parliament of India in 2018, mandates reservation in education and employment, places a legal duty on Governments to ensure accessibility and non-discrimination.
2. The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan focuses on achieving universal accessibility for Persons with Disabilities across three key domains — built infrastructure, transport systems and information and communication technology.
3. The National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) is a public sector organisation set up by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs as a not-for-profit company to promote entrepreneurship among Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
Select the answer using the code given below :
Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act was passed by the Parliament of India in 2016, not 2018. It aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and places a legal obligation on governments to ensure non-discrimination and accessibility. It also mandates reservations for PwDs, such as increasing the quota to 4% in government employment and 5% in higher education. Statement 2 is Correct: The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign) was launched in 2015 by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD). It focuses on achieving universal accessibility for Persons with Disabilities across three key domains: built infrastructure (barrier-free public buildings), transport systems (accessible railways, airports, and roads), and information and communication technology (accessible government websites and digital ecosystems). Statement 3 is Incorrect: The National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) is a Central Public Sector Undertaking registered as a not-for-profit company to provide concessional financial assistance to promote entrepreneurship, self-employment, and higher education among PwDs. However, it was set up under the aegis of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, not the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Therefore, the correct option is B.
With reference to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rules in India, consider the following statements:
1. CSR rules specify that expenditures that benefit the company directly or its employees will not be considered as CSR activities.
2. CSR rules do not specify minimum spending on CSR activities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
* Statement 1: Correct. The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rules in India state that expenditures aimed at benefiting the company's business interests or its employees (such as those related to employee welfare or activities that are a direct business benefit) will not be counted as CSR activities. The focus of CSR is on activities that benefit society at large and not just the company or its direct stakeholders. * Statement 2: Incorrect. Under the Companies Act, 2013, CSR rules do specify a minimum spending requirement. Companies meeting certain criteria (like having a net worth of ₹500 crore or more, or an annual turnover of ₹1,000 crore or more, or a net profit of ₹5 crore or more) must allocate at least 2% of their average net profits over the last three years towards CSR activities. So, the correct answer is: A. 1 only
Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojana:
1. It is safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments.
2. Its objective is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality among poor pregnant women.
3. It aims to promote institutional delivery among poor pregnant women.
4. Its objective includes providing public health facilities to sick infants up to one year of age.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Statement 1 is incorrect: Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the National Health Mission (NHM). It is a central intervention implemented by states, not an intervention of the State Health Departments. Statement 2 is correct: The primary objective is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by encouraging safe, institutional births. Statement 3 is correct: The scheme provides a cash incentive to mothers to promote institutional delivery, particularly among those from BPL, SC, and ST households. Statement 4 is incorrect: While care for sick infants is a priority under the National Health Mission, the provision of free facilities for sick infants up to one year of age is specifically a feature of the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) launched in 2011. JSY, launched in 2005, is primarily a conditional cash transfer scheme for delivery.
Show 3 more PYQs
With reference to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements:
1. Private and public hospitals must adopt it.
2. As it aims to achieve universal health coverage, every citizen of India should be part of it ultimately.
3. It has seamless portability across the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission aims to provide digital health IDs for all Indian citizens to help hospitals, insurance firms, and citizens access health records electronically when required. Statement 1 is incorrect. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) has not made it mandatory for adoption by private and public hospitals. Its adoption so far would be voluntary. Participation in ABDM is voluntary including for citizens. Participation of a healthcare facility or an institution is also voluntary and shall be taken by the respective management (government or private management). Statement 2 is incorrect. The aim of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is to facilitate the ease of access to medical records and it is not been mandated to have every citizen as its part though the facility is available to every citizen on a consent basis. Statement 3 is correct. ABDM will have a national footprint and will enable seamless portability across the country through a Health ID Personal Health Identifier.
In a multi-ethnic district where both economic competition and historical grievances frequently led to community tensions, a flashpoint has arisen with a Government decision to allocate land for a waste management facility near a tribal hamlet, sparking protests by the tribal community, which claimed that the land was sacred and critical to their cultural identity. At the same time, urban residents and local industries supported the project, citing severe solid waste challenges and health concerns due to lack of a proper disposal site. The conflict has escalated with road blockades, social media campaigns, and allegations of police excesses.
As a responsible Government official, you are tasked with resolving the situation through mediation, ensuring a sustainable outcome that balances environmental needs, tribal rights, and urban public health.
Consider the following statements with reference to the above:
1. A successful conflict resolution process must begin with acknowledging the cultural concerns of the protesting tribal community before discussing technical alternatives.
2. The Government should move ahead with the project without delay to address urban health concerns, which outweigh the sentiments of a small group.
3. Creating a multi-stakeholder dialogue platform — including tribal leaders, environmental experts, and municipal representatives — to build mutual understanding and help de-escalate tensions.
4. Conducting an independent Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and sharing findings transparently with both sides to facilitate evidence-based decision-making.
Which of the statements given above would contribute to the resolution process?
Statement 1 is Correct: In standard mediation and conflict resolution practices, acknowledging the emotional, historical, and cultural grievances of marginalized groups is a necessary first step. Validating the tribal community's cultural concerns helps build trust and creates a conducive environment before negotiating technical solutions. Statement 2 is Incorrect: While addressing urban health concerns represents the utilitarian principle of the "greatest good for the greatest number," democratic governance and rights-based ethics dictate that this cannot come at the cost of steamrolling the fundamental rights and cultural dignity of a vulnerable minority. In India, tribal land and cultural identities are protected under the Constitution (Fifth and Sixth Schedules) and laws like the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, and PESA, 1996, which mandate respecting tribal rights and often require community consent. Statement 3 is Correct: Resolving complex public disputes requires inclusive, participatory governance. Creating a multi-stakeholder dialogue platform that brings together opposing parties (tribal leaders, urban representatives) and neutral experts fosters consensus-building, builds mutual understanding, and effectively de-escalates tensions. Statement 4 is Correct: Conducting an independent Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) is a standard governance tool used to objectively evaluate the ecological and human costs of a project. Transparently sharing these findings ensures evidence-based decision-making, counters misinformation, and helps all stakeholders understand the objective realities of the proposed site. Therefore, option A is the correct answer.
Consider the following statements:
1. ‘Right to the City’ is an agreed human right and the UN-Habitat monitors the commitments made by each country in this regard.
2. ‘Right to the City’ gives every occupant of the city the right to reclaim public spaces and public participation in the city.
3. ‘Right to the City’ means that the State cannot deny any public service or facility to the unauthorized colonies in the city.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct:
Statement 1 is incorrect. The “Right to the City” is not a formally agreed universal human right in international law. It is a normative and political concept. UN-Habitat uses the idea in the New Urban Agenda, but: it does not legally monitor binding national commitments. Statement 2 is correct. The Right to the City is the right of all inhabitants (present and future, permanent and temporary) to inhabit, use, occupy, produce, transform, govern, and enjoy cities, towns, and human settlements that are just, inclusive, safe, sustainable and democratic, defined as common goods for enjoying life with dignity and peace. The right to the city further implies responsibilities on governments and people to claim, defend, and promote this right. Statement 3 is correct. “Right to the City” is interpreted as an inclusive urban citizenship right. The concept says that all city dwellers, including: migrants, slum dwellers, residents of unauthorized colonies, have a claim to urban services and dignity. It views residents not as “encroachers” but as rights-bearing urban citizens who contribute to the city economy. Hence: denial of water, sanitation, waste management, etc. merely because a settlement is “unauthorized” is seen as violating the spirit of Right to the City. Indian courts have also held that basic services cannot be denied even to illegal settlements, as they are part of Article 21 – Right to Life. Note: UPSC usually takes welfare centric approach in questions.