Describe the meaning of public health. Discuss the major public health measures undertaken by the state in recent years to control diseases.
Public health refers to the act of protecting the public's health through education, research and development and promotion of healthy lifestyle. It aims at the improvement and well being of the people around the globe. It focuses on the protection and improvement of health of the entire population rather than individuals. In recent years, India has embarked upon the development of vast infrastructure. At the village level, a variety of hospitals were set up by the name of Primary Health Centres (PHCs). The large number of hospitals is run by various voluntary agencies and by the private sector. The hospitals are managed by professionals and by Para Medical professionals trained in medical, pharmacy and nursing colleges. There has been a significant expansion in the provision of health services. The number of hospitals and dispensaries has increased from 9300 to 43300 and hospital beds from 1.2 to 7.2 million during 1951 to 2000. Also, nursing personnel has increased from 0.18 to 8.7 lakh and allopathic doctors from 0.62 to 5 lakhs during the same period. The provision of various facilities has resulted in the eradication of smallpox, polio, leprosy, and other deadly diseases.
Infrastructure contributes to the economic development of a country. Do you agree? Explain.
Discuss the main drawbacks of our health care system.
What are the various non-commercial sources of energy?
What is the significance of ‘energy’? Differentiate between commercial and non-commercial sources of energy.
How do infrastructure facilities boost production?
What is the state of rural infrastructure in India?
What is a ‘global burden of disease’?
Explain the two categories into which infrastructure is divided. How are both interdependent?
How are the rates of consumption of energy and economic growth connected?
How has women’s health become a matter of great concern?
What was the focus of the economic policies pursued by the colonial government in India? What were the impacts of these policies?
What are the two major sources of human capital in a country?
What do you mean by rural development? Bring out the key issues in rural development.
Define a plan?
Who is a worker?
What is meant by environment?
Why are regional and economic groupings formed?
Why were reforms introduced in India?
Why calorie-based norm is not adequate to identify the poor?
Name some notable economists who estimated India’s per capita income during the colonial period?
‘There is a downward trend in inequality world-wide with a rise in the average education levels’. Comment.
Why are less women found in regular salaried employment?
The following table shows distribution of workforce in India for the year 1972-73. Analyse it and give reasons for the nature of workforce distribution. You will notice that the data is pertaining to the situation in India 30 years ago!
Place of Residence | Workforce (in millions) | ||
Male | Female | Total | |
Rural Urban |
125 32 |
69 7 |
195 39 |
Examine the role of education in the economic development of a nation.
When was India’s first official census operation undertaken?
Why did India opt for planning?
Do you think that in the last 50 years, employment generated in the country is commensurate with the growth of GDP in India? How?
Name some notable economists who estimated India’s per capita income during the colonial period?
How can creation of income earning assets address the problem of poverty?
How government organisations facilitate the functioning of schools and hospitals in India?