What is the national percentage in India for deaths where the deceased received medical attention before death?
A80.7%
B48.7%
C97%
D0.1%
Answer:
B. 48.7%
Read Explanation:
Significance of Medical Attention Before Death
- The statistic of 48.7% represents the national average in India for deaths where the deceased received medical attention before their demise.
- This percentage serves as a critical indicator of the reach, accessibility, and utilization of healthcare services within a country's public and private health systems.
- A higher percentage typically signifies a more robust healthcare infrastructure, greater public health awareness, and improved access to emergency and regular medical care.
Implications for India's Healthcare Landscape
- The figure of 48.7% suggests that a significant proportion of deaths in India still occur without the benefit of formal medical intervention, highlighting existing gaps in healthcare delivery.
- Key contributing factors often include geographical disparities (especially in rural and remote areas), socio-economic barriers preventing access to expensive treatments, and insufficient public health infrastructure.
- This data underscores the urgent need for strengthening primary healthcare services, enhancing emergency medical response systems, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare across all regions.
The Kerala Model of Development and Health Indicators
- The "Kerala Model of Development" is globally recognized for its remarkable achievements in social development, particularly in health and education, despite comparatively lower per capita income.
- Kerala consistently reports a significantly higher percentage of deaths with medical attention, often exceeding 90%, which stands in stark contrast to the national average.
- This success is attributed to Kerala's strong public health system, high literacy rates, equitable distribution of healthcare facilities, and effective public awareness campaigns. It serves as a benchmark for other Indian states.
Key Data Sources and Government Initiatives
- Statistics concerning deaths and medical attention are primarily collected through large-scale surveys like the Sample Registration System (SRS) conducted by the Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India.
- The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) also provides comprehensive data on health indicators, including the utilization of healthcare services.
- The Government of India has launched various programs to improve healthcare access, such as Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), which aims to provide health insurance coverage, and the National Health Mission (NHM), focused on strengthening rural and urban health infrastructure.
Economic and Development Context
- From an economic perspective, improving this percentage is crucial for enhancing human capital and ensuring the productive capacity of the workforce.
- It directly relates to the concept of equity in healthcare access, which is a fundamental component of inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.
- This indicator is also aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being, emphasizing the global commitment to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages.