Importance of Women’s Health
Good health is vital for women’s longevity and socio-economic opportunities. Women’s health impacts the health of future generations. Gender-related barriers often hinder women’s health-seeking behaviour, leading to inadequate access to healthcare services.
Prevalence of Anaemia
Anaemia is a pervasive issue among women, particularly adolescent girls and pregnant women. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) indicates that a substantial proportion of women and children suffer from anaemia. This condition is exacerbated by poor dietary choices and reflects broader nutritional challenges across various socio-economic strata.
Inter-Generational Impact of Anaemia
Anaemic mothers pose risks for their children, leading to inter-generational deprivation and poor physical and cognitive development. NITI Aayog has noted the correlation between poor nutrition and inter-generational poverty, denoting public health challenge.
Government Initiatives for Anaemia
The “Anaemia Mukt Bharat” initiative aims to combat anaemia through iron and folic acid supplementation, targeted testing, and behaviour change campaigns promoting iron-rich foods. The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Programme, initiated in 2023, focuses on tribal populations affected by sickle cell anaemia.
Maternal Health Challenges
Maternal health remains a critical concern, with various barriers affecting women’s access to healthcare. Financial constraints, lack of decision-making power, and limited awareness about maternal health contribute to poor outcomes. Traditional customs can also negatively impact women’s health, particularly regarding menstruation and pregnancy.
Nutrition and Food Security
Malnutrition is issue, with approximately 35% of women in India being anaemic. Programmes like the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme aim to improve nutrition among women and children, indirectly enhancing women’s health.
Mental Health Issues
Mental health is often overlooked in discussions about women’s health. Women are more susceptible to mental health issues due to various factors, including violence, financial insecurity, and domestic responsibilities. Limited access to mental health services exacerbates these challenges.
Healthcare Access and Infrastructure
Access to healthcare is uneven, particularly in rural areas where women face barriers. The public health expenditure in India is low, affecting the quality and accessibility of healthcare services for women.
Health Insurance Schemes
The “Ayushman Bharat” scheme aims to provide health insurance to economically vulnerable families, including women. Specific initiatives like the “Mahila Kalyan Yojana” focus on addressing women’s health needs through targeted insurance coverage.
Violence Against Women
Violence against women has severe health implications, both physically and mentally. Approximately 30% of women in India experience domestic violence, denoting the need for improved support services and shelters for survivors.
Government Initiatives for Women’s Health
Programs like “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” aim to enhance the status of girls and women through education and health initiatives. The National Nutrition Mission focuses on reducing malnutrition among women and children, addressing a critical area of concern.
Role of NGOs and Community Workers
Various non-governmental organisations work to improve health awareness and access to services for women. Community health workers, such as Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), play important role in promoting health services in rural areas.
Cultural and Societal Factors
Gender discrimination in cultural norms often prioritises male health over female health, leading to neglect of women’s health issues. Higher education levels are associated with better health outcomes for women, underscoring the importance of educational initiatives.
Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare services, exacerbating existing health issues for women. Mental health crises emerged due to economic stress and lockdowns, further impacting women’s well-being.
Future Challenges
India aims to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) with a focus on women’s health. Effective implementation of health policies and programmes targeting women’s health issues remains challenge.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of socio-economic factors on women’s health-seeking behaviour in India, particularly in rural areas.
- What are the major barriers to maternal health in India? Discuss the role of government initiatives like the National Health Mission and Janani Suraksha Yojana in addressing these challenges.
- Explain the relationship between nutrition, food security, and the health of women in India, with suitable examples of government programs aimed at improving these aspects.
- What are the implications of violence against women on their physical and mental health? Assess the availability of support services for survivors of violence in India.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of socio-economic factors on women’s health-seeking behaviour in India, particularly in rural areas.
- Socio-economic status influences access to healthcare facilities and information, affecting health-seeking behavior.
- Education levels correlate with increased awareness and utilization of health services among women.
- Cultural norms and gender roles often restrict women’s autonomy in making health decisions.
- Poverty limits transportation options and financial resources for seeking medical help.
- Community support systems can either facilitate or hinder women’s access to healthcare services.
2. What are the major barriers to maternal health in India? Discuss the role of government initiatives like the National Health Mission and Janani Suraksha Yojana in addressing these challenges.
- Key barriers include lack of access to quality healthcare, inadequate infrastructure, and socio-cultural practices.
- High maternal mortality rates highlight the urgent need for improved healthcare services and education.
- The National Health Mission aims to enhance healthcare delivery through better maternal and child health services.
- Janani Suraksha Yojana provides financial incentives for institutional deliveries, improving access to safe childbirth.
- Both initiatives focus on community engagement and awareness to overcome traditional barriers to maternal health.
3. Explain the relationship between nutrition, food security, and the health of women in India, with suitable examples of government programs aimed at improving these aspects.
- Malnutrition directly affects women’s health, leading to complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Food security ensures access to adequate nutrition, which is crucial for both physical and mental health.
- Government programs like the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) provide essential nutrition to women and children.
- The Public Distribution System (PDS) aims to improve food security, making staple foods accessible to low-income families.
- Awareness campaigns on nutrition and health are critical for empowering women to make informed dietary choices.
4. What are the implications of violence against women on their physical and mental health? Assess the availability of support services for survivors of violence in India.
- Violence against women can lead to severe physical injuries, chronic health issues, and mental health disorders like PTSD.
- Social stigma often prevents survivors from seeking help, exacerbating health problems and isolation.
- Support services include helplines, counseling centers, and legal aid, but they are often under-resourced.
- Government initiatives like the One Stop Centre Scheme aim to provide integrated support for survivors.
- Community awareness and education are essential for improving the accessibility and effectiveness of support services.
