A Matter of Dignity

Mains Paper: 2 | Health
Prelims level: WHO
Mains level: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health

Introduction

•  The rapid increase in ageing population across countries requires national strategies .

•  Data from many parts of the world reveals age as a risk factor for dementia .

•  Dementia affects memory and significantly interferes with a person’s ability to perform daily activities.

•  According to the WHO, it affects 50 million people worldwide; a number that is projected to increase to 82 million by 2030 and 152 million by 2050.

•  According to some estimates, one person gets affected by dementia every three seconds.

•  Studies have revealed how the stigma attached to the disease leads to the social isolation of patients, their families and careers.

•  Research has thrown light on the deterioration in the quality of their lives.

•  There is an urgent need to treat dementia as a public health concern by raising awareness on all aspects of the disease including risk reduction, diagnosis, treatment, research, care and support for patients and care givers.

•  Several of the needs of such affected people — social, economic or those related to health remain unfulfilled.

•  For instance, leave concessions at work, adaptable housing environments, adequate diagnostic facilities, treatment options, care provisions and risk reduction measures.

Way forward

•  Many require psychological support, biomedical facilities, appropriate medications, counselling services and end of life care.

•  Over a year ago, the World Health Assembly in Geneva adopted the Global Action Plan on the Public Health Response to Dementia 2017- 2025.

•  India endorsed the plan, confirming its commitment to improving the lives of people with dementia, their carers and families.

•  Such a plan should incorporate public awareness campaigns and research.

•  As the percentage of aged people in the country increases must become a national priority.

•  These programmes could be aligned with existing policies and care models.

Online Coaching for UPSC PRE Exam

General Studies Pre. Cum Mains Study Materials

Prelims Questions:

Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to Every Newborn Action Plan:
1. It is led by the WHO and UNICEF.
2. It aims to end newborn mortality and stillbirth and reduce maternal mortality.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C

Mains Questions:
Q.1) What are factors responsible for India’s healthcare sector backwardness? How it can be improved?