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?

B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

Economy : Health Sector Initiatives

Q 2 / 5

UPSC CSE Prelims 2023

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?

EXPLANATION

The correct option is (b).

Explanation

The question addresses the structural orientation of India's healthcare system (curative versus preventive) and the constitutional division of powers regarding health administration between the Centre and the States.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement-I is Correct: Historically, India's public health expenditure and infrastructure have been skewed towards secondary and tertiary care institutions (hospitals), which focus on curative care. The National Health Policy (2017) explicitly acknowledges this limitation and advocates for a shift from a predominantly curative approach to a preventive, promotive, and rehabilitative one. Despite recent initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres aiming to boost primary care, the system remains largely curative-centric in terms of resource allocation and infrastructure.
Statement-II is Correct: Health is a state subject in India. Under Entry 6 of List II (State List) in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, "Public health and sanitation; hospitals and dispensaries" are primarily the responsibility of the State governments. The Centre plays a supportive role through policy formulation, technical assistance, and funding via schemes like the National Health Mission (NHM).

Reasoning for Option (b): While both statements are factually correct, Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I. The decentralized nature of healthcare (State responsibility) does not inherently necessitate a focus on curative care. In fact, decentralized systems are theoretically better positioned to deliver preventive and primary care at the grassroots level. The bias towards curative care is a result of historical policy choices, funding patterns, and medical education priorities, rather than the constitutional assignment of health to the States.

Key Takeaway: Public health is a State subject under the Constitution. The National Health Policy 2017 seeks to reorient the system from "sick-care" (curative) to "wellness" (preventive and promotive).

SOURCEIndian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania, Chapter 2: Indian Architecture, Sculpture and Pottery