India achieved its best-ever rank of 99 out of 167 countries in the 2025 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index. This reflects steady progress since 2021, especially in access to basic services and infrastructure. However, critical challenges remain in health and nutrition, particularly in rural and tribal areas. SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages by 2030, remains a demanding target for India.
Current Health Indicators and Targets
India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is 97 deaths per 100,000 live births, above the 2030 target of 70. Under-five mortality stands at 32 deaths per 1,000 live births, higher than the target of 25. Life expectancy averages 70 years, below the 73.63-year goal. Out-of-pocket health expenditure is 13% of total consumption, nearly double the target of 7.83%. Immunisation coverage is 93.23%, short of the universal 100% target. These indicators show progress but also show the gaps India must address.
Key Challenges in Health and Nutrition
Barriers include limited access to quality healthcare due to poor infrastructure and economic constraints. Non-economic factors such as inadequate nutrition, poor hygiene, sanitation, and lifestyle choices also hamper progress. Cultural stigma and lack of awareness prevent many communities from using existing healthcare services. These factors create uneven health outcomes, especially in vulnerable populations.
Strategies for Accelerating Progress
India needs a three-pronged approach focusing on prevention and treatment. First, universal health insurance can reduce catastrophic expenses and improve equity. Second, strengthening primary health centres and integrating them with secondary and tertiary care is essential. Digital health tools like telemedicine and electronic health records can improve access in rural areas. Third, health education must be embedded in school curricula to build lifelong healthy habits.
Role of Health Education in Schools
Teaching children about nutrition, hygiene, reproductive health, road safety, and mental health can prevent diseases and promote well-being. Early education shapes lifelong behaviours and empowers future parents. Examples from Finland and Japan show how school health programmes improved public health and life expectancy. India can adopt a structured curriculum to achieve similar benefits.
Need for Collaborative Actions
Closing the SDG 3 gap requires coordinated efforts by policymakers, educators, families, and communities. Policymakers must prioritise universal health coverage, primary care, and school health education. Parents should advocate for comprehensive health topics in schools. India’s improved SDG ranking is encouraging but only 17% of global targets are on track. Sustained efforts are needed to build a healthier nation for 2047 and beyond.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the role of universal health coverage in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 in India.
- Analyse the impact of cultural practices and stigma on healthcare access and outcomes in rural India.
- Examine the importance of school-based health education in improving public health indicators and suggest ways to implement it effectively.
- Estimate the challenges and opportunities in integrating digital health technologies within India’s primary healthcare system.
