Question

Discuss the role of government in public health services.

Answer 1

Instructions: List down the measures taken by the government for public health and what are the facilities the government is providing to the public to maintain their health and sanitisation.

Solution: In India we have a situation where private services are increasing but public services are not. The private services are mainly concentrated in the urban areas. As these services are run for profit, the costs
are rather high.

But the situation in public service at present is somewhat changed due to the services of ‘108’ and ‘104’. Where 108 reaches to provide first aid in emergency cases and also provide access by taking the
victim (patient) for further follow up medication at a nearby health centre. While 104 is a vehicle with health personnel and medicines providing monthly visits to rural areas to checkup health and provide medicine etc.

One of the most important functions of the government is to ensure that these public facilities are made available to everyone.

The government also runs campaigns like drains cleaning and anti - malaria to spread awareness among the public.

The Right to Life in the Constitution is for all people. The
responsibility to provide public facilities, therefore, must be that of the government.