India / Health

The dramatic increase in life expectancy from 32 to 62.4 years in the last four decades indicates the level of progress on the health front. Till today, the core concern continues to be the control and eradication of disease. Following the success of the National Malaria Eradication Program and the TB control program, the fight is on against vaccine-preventable diseases. Responding to the worldwide preoccupation with AIDS, prevention and control are priority areas.

Infrastructure for health services has expanded, with the number of hospitals, primary health centers and doctors in attendance showing an increase. Acknowledging the fact that healthcare is most crucial at the maternity and infant stage, targeted program have been initiated (particularly in the rural areas) through the network of government-run primary health centers. Immunization and ensuring better maternity care has led to a decline in the infant mortality rate. Recognizing that this is directly linked to family size, the current family welfare programs are working towards reducing the net reproductive rate. The Indian systems of medicine as well as homeopathy have been accorded increased importance.

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