Now, health as fundamental right |
There is a very good news inasmuch as health may soon be declared a fundamental right of every individual in India, similar to education. The draft National Health Policy, pending for nearly two years, is expected to be sent to the Cabinet very soon. The draft policy advocates a National Health Rights Act, which will make "denial of health" an offence. It proposes that the Centre, in coordination with states, should use the legal clause available under the Clinical Establishments Bill and ensure health as a fundamental right. Besides, it suggests raising public health expenditure to 2.5 per cent of GDP from the current 1.2 per cent. It also addresses issues of making available universal health coverage, reducing maternal and infant mortality, as well as making free drugs and diagnostics available at least in public healthcare facilities in the country. It suggests that the Centre must amend laws to align them with the current healthcare scenario.
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