Maternal health encompasses the well-being of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. While motherhood is generally viewed as a positive experience, for many women, it is associated with suffering and health challenges. Despite notable progress since independence, our nation remains deficient in basic health parameters, particularly maternal and infant health. Maternal and newborn health are intricately connected, with social determinants influencing outcomes. Poverty is a key factor Read More

Over the past century, the world has witnessed significant progress, not only in terms of economic advancements and the globalisation of trade but also in the realm of science, particularly medicine. As economic developments unfolded, lifestyles underwent a transformation with implicit consequences. While medicine has made remarkable strides, eradicating many diseases prevalent in the 19th century, the current generation faces a new set of health challenges known as “lifestyle diseases.” Read More

Health, an asset for everyone regardless of age, becomes a significant concern as one age, necessitating adequate health coverage. Upon reaching retirement age, a person’s steady income ceases, and health-related expenses can deplete savings. The escalating costs of healthcare pose a substantial obstacle, impeding the elderly from effectively managing their health. This is where Health Insurance Policies play a crucial role, providing reimbursement for hospitalisation costs incurred due to unforeseen health issues, subject Read More

Ageing is an irreversible biological process that universally impacts every human being. The demographic ageing of populations has far-reaching implications at both macro and household levels. While this phenomenon has traditionally been more pronounced in developed countries, it is now accelerating in developing nations like India, which boasts the world’s second-largest aged population. The extension of life spans has led to an increase in chronic functional disabilities, creating a demand for assistance in managing everyday Read More

Tamil Nadu is characterized by a surplus of labour. The most scarce resource in the state is skilled labour, and this shortage hampers the pace of economic growth. The tribal population faces additional challenges in skill development due to the remote locations of their residences in hilly and forested areas, making the delivery of public services challenging. This lack of skill development among tribal youth becomes a barrier to empowerment and the achievement of the Human Development Index (HDI). Recognizing the centrality of capacity-building in policy prescriptions, tribal development Read More

Research indicates that children thrive when nurtured in a disease-free and supportive environment, as their psychological development is profoundly affected otherwise. Juvenile Justice system homes aim to provide a unified space for children, focusing on rehabilitation. However, the current system often restricts free-thinking, action, and movement, exposing children to a confined outlook. To address these issues and enhance the psychological well-being of children in such homes, it is imperative to introduce a more inclusive Read More

Early childhood education holds immense importance, as approximately 90% of a child’s brain development and cognitive skills occur before the age of three. During  this critical period, special attention is required, encompassing tender care, balanced nutrition, and intellectual stimulation through education. Recognizing the significance of this phase, both the central and state governments have implemented various schemes and programs to cater to the needs of young children. Read More

The incidence of anemia is due to undernutrition and malnutrition in children, and the adverse impact of anemia on morbidity and mortality is very high.  In addition to this, anemia results in a potential loss of output to the economy by affecting earning capacity, the longevity of life, and huge medical costs for individuals. Viewed from the above perspective, the incidence of anemia should be eliminated through proper identification and treatment of the problem and taking prophylactic measures. Those who Read More

The motors of rapid economic development are capital accumulation, human resource accumulation, and technological advances. Of these three ingredients of growth and development, the second, namely, human resource development, is critical in the sense that it not only enhances labour productivity but also ignites technological advances which endanger positive spillover in the economy. Viewed from this perspective, human resource development is to be fostered and nurtured to a greater extent. Read More

Promoting health and nutrition can have a lasting positive impact on the economy. Good health is especially crucial in the context of economic development, as it enhances labour productivity. Both the central and state governments have prioritised healthcare delivery systems and the development of health infrastructure in both urban and rural areas across successive plan periods. Despite the active involvement of both private and public sectors as primary health providers, there is a concerted effort to engage NGOs and other community Read More