Public and Private Health Care Services in India

 

Public and Private Health Care Services in India

Health care services in India are broadly divided into two categories:

• (a) Public Health Services

• (b) Private Health Facilities

Let us understand each in detail:

1. Public Health Services

Public health services are health care facilities run by the government for the benefit of all citizens. These include health centres, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), District Hospitals, and large government hospitals in cities.

Structure of Public Health Services

• Village level: Health centres with nurses and health workers trained in treating common illnesses.

• Rural level: Primary Health Centres (PHCs) with doctors who supervise smaller centres.

• District level: District Hospitals that supervise all PHCs in the district.

• Urban level: Large government hospitals and specialised hospitals.

These services form a chain, ensuring both rural and urban populations are covered, and that citizens can get treatment for both simple and serious diseases.

2. Purpose and Importance of Public Health Services

Why are they called 'Public'?

• They are established and funded by the government using taxes collected from the people.

• They are meant for everyone, especially for the poor and underprivileged, who cannot afford expensive treatment in private hospitals.

• They aim to provide health services either free or at a very low cost.

Main Functions of Public Health System

• Curative services: Treating patients suffering from various diseases.

• Preventive services: Preventing the spread of diseases like TB, malaria, cholera, diarrhoea, chikungunya, etc., through awareness campaigns and cleanliness drives.

• Emergency services: Providing urgent treatment in case of accidents, epidemics, or sudden illnesses.

Example: Campaigns to stop mosquito breeding in water tanks and rooftops are part of preventive health care. These actions must involve both the government and the community to be successful.

3. Constitutional Duty of the Government

According to the Indian Constitution, it is the primary duty of the government to:

• Ensure the welfare of the people

• Provide health care facilities to all

• Safeguard the Right to Life of every citizen

If any hospital fails to give timely treatment, it is considered a violation of this right. The courts have said that:

• The State Government must ensure emergency medical care is available to all.

• If someone is forced to spend personal money due to the failure of public hospitals, the government is responsible and may be asked to reimburse the cost.

4. Private Health Facilities

While not detailed in this section, it is important to note that private hospitals and clinics are owned by individuals or companies. They:

• Charge high fees for consultations, tests, and treatment.

• Are not affordable for the poor or lower-middle-class families.

• Often provide faster service but can lead to heavy financial burden on patients.

Conclusion

The public health system is a backbone of India's health care infrastructure. It plays a crucial role in making health care accessible to all, especially the needy. As responsible citizens, we must demand better facilities, timely treatment, and support awareness campaigns to improve public health. At the same time, the government must ensure that hospitals and staff are accountable, and every citizen's Right to Life and Health is respected.