CBSE Notes Class 7 Social Science Civics Chapter 2 - Role of the Government in Health 

What is health? 

Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. It is crucial for individuals to lead a productive and fulfilling life. The government plays a significant role in ensuring the health of its citizens. 

Healthcare in India

The government has the responsibility to provide healthcare services, promote public health, and ensure access to essential healthcare facilities for all citizens. It formulates policies and implements programs to address health-related issues.

Healthcare infrastructure: The government is responsible for developing healthcare infrastructure, including hospitals, clinics, and health centers. It ensures that these facilities are accessible and equipped with necessary resources and healthcare professionals.

Primary healthcare: The government focuses on primary healthcare, which includes basic healthcare services, preventive measures, and health education. Primary healthcare is provided at the grassroots level and forms the foundation of the healthcare system.

Public and Private Health Care Services

Public and private healthcare services are two distinct sectors that provide medical care to individuals. Here's a breakdown of public and private healthcare services:

Public Healthcare Services:

• Provided by the government: Public healthcare services are funded and administered by the government. The government is responsible for establishing and managing public hospitals, clinics, and health centers.

• Accessible to all: Public healthcare services are designed to be accessible to all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status. These services aim to provide affordable or free healthcare to the general population, especially the economically disadvantaged.

• Government funding: Public healthcare services are funded through government budgets, taxes, and public health insurance schemes. The government allocates resources to develop healthcare infrastructure, employ healthcare professionals, and provide medicines and equipment.

• Primary healthcare focus: Public healthcare services primarily focus on providing primary healthcare services, including preventive care, immunization, maternal and child healthcare, family planning, and basic medical treatment. They form the backbone of the healthcare system, ensuring the well-being of the population.

• Emphasis on public health: Public healthcare services have a strong emphasis on public health initiatives. They work towards preventing and controlling diseases, conducting health awareness campaigns, monitoring health trends, and implementing disease control programs.

Private Healthcare Services:

• Provided by private entities: Private healthcare services are provided by private hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and healthcare practitioners. These entities are owned and operated by individuals, organizations, or corporations.

• Varying costs: Private healthcare services generally involve higher costs compared to public services. Patients often pay for consultations, treatments, medications, and hospital stays. The costs can vary depending on the quality and reputation of the private healthcare facility.

• Specialized and advanced care: Private healthcare services often offer specialized and advanced medical care in various fields, such as cardiac care, fertility treatments, cosmetic surgery, and more. They may have state-of-the-art medical technology and facilities.

• Choice and flexibility: Private healthcare services provide patients with the flexibility to choose their healthcare provider and access services at their convenience. They often offer shorter waiting times for consultations, diagnostic tests, and surgical procedures.

• Health insurance coverage: Private healthcare services often work with health insurance companies. Individuals can opt for private health insurance plans that cover the costs of private medical treatments, consultations, and hospitalization.

• Supplementary services: Private healthcare services may offer additional services like luxury amenities, private rooms, personalized care, and alternative therapies. These supplementary services cater to individual preferences and comfort.

Healthcare and equality: Is adequate healthcare available to all?

Private services are rapidly expanding in India, whereas public services remain stagnant. There has been no increase in the public sector. As a result, citizens mostly have access to private services. Private services are extremely expensive. Some private services encourage illegal acts in order to make more money.

Medical bills are difficult for a middle-class family. Every disease in the family causes enormous anxiety and distress for the impoverished. The costs of disease exacerbate their predicament.

1) The Kerala experience

In 1996, the Kerala government allocated 40% of the total Kerala budget to the panchayats. This made it possible for a village to make sure that proper planning was done for water, food, women’s development and education. Health centres were also improved.

2) The Costa Rican approach

Costa Rica is regarded as one of Central America's healthiest countries. Costa Rica decided to forego an army several years ago. This enabled the Costa Rican government to spend money that the army would have spent on health, education, and other essential human necessities. All Costa Ricans are provided with essential services and amenities by the Costa Rican government.

We hope that CBSE Notes for Class 7 Social Science Civics Chapter 2 would assist you in better preparing for your exams. Continue to learn and stay tuned for more CBSE and NCERT updates. To access interactive Maths and Science videos, download the BYJU App and subscribe to the YouTube channel.