Q.Describe the meaning of public health. Discuss the major public health measures undertaken by the state in recent years to control diseases.

Public health is about protecting and improving the health of the whole community through organised effort. …

Meaning of public health. Public health refers to the health of the community as a whole, secured through organised efforts — chiefly by the state — to prevent disease, prolong life and promote health. Because the government has a constitutional obligation for health, it frames broad policies through the Central Council of Health and Family Welfare and assists the states in running health programmes, on the principle that no one should be denied medical care for inability to pay.

Major public-health measures undertaken by the state:

1. A three-tier health system. The state has built a network of Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs) and sub-centres at the primary level, secondary hospitals at district level, and tertiary/premier institutes for advanced care.
2. Expansion of infrastructure and manpower. During 1951-2013 government hospitals and dispensaries, beds, nurses and doctors all expanded greatly. …