There is no question that a healthy population will lead to the economic growth and development of a nation. India is undergoing a demographic and environmental transition that increases the burden on public health and infrastructure resources. The situation is more complex by the fact that around 70% of the Indian population resides in rural areas known for poor access to healthcare. Private clinics and hospitals are the primary health care in these regions, although there is a presence of government-funded public health services. While the government has taken several steps to address the issues of the delivery of services and the access to healthcare, but there is still a significant gap in developing healthcare facilities, affordability, and equity-based distribution.
India has the second-largest population in the world and a gender ratio of 943. Although the cultural front reveals an incredible diversity due to various factors, it also indicates that there is a large difference between states and regions. This inequality goes beyond health status.
Child malnutrition is very high in India, home to more than one-third of the world’s children. This is especially common in rural areas due to low socio-economic status, if not poverty. Despite the government’s efforts to tackle the problem, hunger is an important national concern. There has been a rise in chronic disease rates with recent economic development. This duality has contributed to malnutrition and over nutrition being jointly developed.
Although rural India’s health statistics remain poor, the health status and access to health for the vulnerable in urban slum dwellers have become similarly deplorable and has less than 4% of government primary health facilities. Urban slum dwellers suffer from adverse health problems due mainly to two reasons: first, lack of education and therefore lack of awareness; and, second, a lack of willingness to sacrifice a day’s wages in order to reach the nearby medical facility.
BPY India’s health sector initiatives are designed to enhance the access of poor and disadvantaged people to affordable health services. BPY India works at the individual, community and systemic levels to recognize the root causes of healthcare problems and create innovative solutions and help deliver quality services. Cross-cutting approaches for improving the health and nutritional status of the poorest and most deprived communities–particularly women and children–are part of work with community groups, cooperation with the government and civil society organizations. BPY develops health services capacities, with an emphasis on policy advocacy and program strengthening.
Statistics on Health As per NFHS-3
Almost half of children under age five years (48 percent) are chronically malnourished.
One out of every five children in India under age five years is wasted.
Forty-three percent of children under age five years are underweight for their age.
More than half (54 percent) of all deaths before age five years in India are related to malnutrition. Mild to moderate malnutrition contributes to more deaths (43 percent) than severe malnutrition (11 percent).
Iron deficiency anemia is an important condition in India with seven out of every 10 children age 6-59 months in India are anaemic.
Among adults, 36 percent of women have a BMI below 18.5, indicating a high prevalence of nutritional deficiency.
Health – Inspiring Stories
Kusum
Kusum and baby lifeKusum was pregnant and she suffered physical abuse. Kusum's health too started to suffer and with no one to care for her she became weaker. Kusum’s problems identified and taken care by BPY. She was taken from her home with the help of police and underwent medical treatment. She successfully delivered the twin children. One child died .The mother and child were sent to Vadodara for further treatment and child education. The institute became a ray of hope for this family.
Hemant Bhai
I am recovering slowly, thanks to the doctor who cured me.When his health worsened Hemant Bhai had to discontinue his work in the nearby farms as a daily wager. Hemant Bhai was bound to stay at home, causing his wife to work in the fields to fulfill the basic household needs. Due to a lack of access to medical facilities in the village, the residents had to travel around 12 km to reach the nearest Community Health Centre when they suffered health problems. People like Hemant bhai avoided this because they could not afford to lose a day's wage. Hemant's problems were identified by the team of BPY. After proper medical treatment, Hemant's health started improving. Hemant has now recommenced his work in the farms.
Pushpa Ben
I raised my son up myself. He got married and they left me alone and went to the city.Pushpa Ben endured many difficulties following her husband's death, she raised her son alone, but she served on everyday wages and fields and did not let her son face any hardships. Her son grew up so got married, moving to the city in search of a better life. They left Pushpa Ben there, and she had no one to look after her when she fell sick and the doctor was a few miles away. Pushpa Ben problems were identified by the team of BPY and she found much-needed relief. The physicians at home examined her and recommended required medicines. Local supporters constantly keep a check on her health and regular visit has ensured that Pushpa Ben stays healthy. She really loves her son but now she is happy and healthy.
Ramesh
We're old and poor. Our health is falling.Ramesh life in a tiny hut with his wife in the midst of a congested and unhygienic slum. We had no choice but to suffer silently as their kids refused to take care of them. There was no one who could cover them up. He slowly losing control of his eye due to his age, both husband and wife suffer from many other health problems. People in slums like these have no time to take care of illnesses or even if they do have no options because they have to receive their daily bread and care for their children. Most of the residents in these slums suffer in silence and often lose their lives because of curable diseases. It was through a volunteer that BPY became aware of Ramesh and his wife. Medical treatment is provided to both, now both are in good health.
Supporters Speak Read More
Ketan Barot
Corporater
Anand District
I’ve always believed in it and stand for human rights because imagining a person being treated poorly is absolutely unreal and unthinkable. It is important that…