Health for ALL
"Health for all" is a concept that has been promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) since its inception in 1948. The idea behind it is to ensure that everyone has access to the highest possible level of health regardless of their socioeconomic status, ethnicity, or geographical location.
The concept of health for all involves addressing not only the treatment of illnesses but also the promotion of health and prevention of diseases through various measures such as health education, vaccination programs, and access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
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Achieving health for all requires a multi-sectoral approach involving governments, healthcare providers, communities, and individuals. It also involves addressing social and economic determinants of health such as poverty, education, and access to healthcare services. Overall, health for all is a fundamental goal for global health, and it is a shared responsibility of all stakeholders to work towards achieving it.
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In 1978 representatives of 134 countries at the International Conference on Primary Health Care in Alma-Ata (now Almaty), Kazakhstan signed a ?declaration that was a landmark event in the history of global public health as it defined the concept of primary health care and set forth a vision for achieving health for all by the year 2000. The Alma-Ata Declaration recognized that the health of individuals and communities is a fundamental human right and that primary health care is essential to achieving this right. It emphasized that primary health care should be based on the needs and preferences of the community and should be delivered in a holistic, comprehensive, and integrated manner. The declaration also highlighted the importance of intersectoral collaboration and community participation in achieving health for all. The Alma-Ata Declaration has had a lasting impact on global health policy and practice. It provided the foundation for the development of the World Health Organization's Health for All strategy and has influenced the development of primary health care policies and programs around the world. While the goal of health for all by the year 2000 was not achieved, the principles outlined in the Alma-Ata Declaration remain relevant and continue to guide efforts to achieve health for all. This gave way to MDGs.
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The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were a set of eight goals established by the United Nations in 2000 to address some of the world's most pressing social and economic issues. The goals were intended to be achieved by 2015 and were designed to promote sustainable development and reduce poverty and inequality. Eight MDG were
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The MDGs helped to galvanize global efforts to reduce poverty and improve living standards in developing countries. While progress was made in some areas, such as reducing extreme poverty and improving access to primary education, there were challenges and setbacks in other areas, such as improving maternal health and combating diseases. In 2015, the MDGs were succeeded by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which build on the progress made under the MDGs and aim to address a broader range of issues, including social, economic, and environmental sustainability. The SDGs have 17 goals and are intended to be achieved by 2030.
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Infectious diseases are a major burden on the Indian population and healthcare system. India is home to a large number of infectious diseases, including malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, dengue fever, chikungunya, and hepatitis, among others. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study, the leading causes of death in India in 2019 were ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lower respiratory infections. Infectious diseases, including diarrheal diseases, tuberculosis, and neonatal sepsis, also ranked high among the leading causes of death.
In addition to the high mortality rates, infectious diseases also impose a significant economic burden on India. The cost of healthcare and lost productivity due to infectious diseases is estimated to be billions of dollars annually.
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Factors contributing to the burden of infectious diseases in India include inadequate access to healthcare, poor sanitation, lack of safe drinking water, and inadequate public health infrastructure. These factors contribute to the spread of infectious diseases, which can have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities across the country. Efforts are underway in India to address the burden of infectious diseases through a combination of improved healthcare infrastructure, public health education, and increased access to vaccinations and treatments. The government has launched several initiatives to improve the prevention, detection, and management of infectious diseases, including the National Vector Borne Disease Control Program and the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program. These efforts, along with ongoing research and development, are critical in addressing the burden of infectious diseases and improving the overall health and wellbeing of the Indian population.
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Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a growing burden on the Indian population and healthcare system. NCDs are chronic diseases that are not caused by infectious agents, but rather by genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Examples of NCDs include cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases.
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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs account for more than 60% of all deaths in India. The leading causes of death due to NCDs in India include cardiovascular diseases, cancer, respiratory diseases, and diabetes. NCDs also impose a significant economic burden on India, with estimates suggesting that the direct and indirect costs of NCDs could be as high as 5% of India's gross domestic product (GDP).
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Several factors contribute to the burden of NCDs in India, including urbanization, changing lifestyle patterns, and a growing aging population. Other factors include inadequate access to healthcare, limited availability of preventive and diagnostic services, and limited public health education.
Efforts are underway in India to address the burden of NCDs through a combination of improved healthcare infrastructure, public health education, and increased access to preventive and diagnostic services. The government has launched several initiatives to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors and reduce the prevalence of risk factors associated with NCDs, including tobacco use, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity. Additionally, the government has launched programs to increase access to screening and early detection of NCDs, such as the National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS).
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Overall, addressing the burden of NCDs in India is a critical public health challenge that requires a multi-sectoral approach. By increasing awareness, promoting healthy behaviors, and improving access to preventive and diagnostic services, it is possible to reduce the impact of NCDs on the Indian population and improve overall health and wellbeing.
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For many years a list of essential drugs was available. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has recently released a list of essential diagnostic tests that are considered crucial for the diagnosis and management of various diseases and health conditions. This list is periodically updated to reflect changes in disease patterns, emerging health concerns, and advances in medical technology. Some of the essential diagnostic tests included in the current list are:
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These tests are considered essential for the diagnosis and management of various diseases and health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disorders, and respiratory infections. The ICMR recommends that these tests should be available at all levels of the healthcare system, from primary care centers to tertiary care hospitals, to ensure timely and accurate diagnosis and management of health conditions.
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Many diagnostic laboratories focus on diagnosis of illness. Wellness diagnostic tests play a crucial role in maintaining and improving overall health and wellness by providing valuable insights into an individual's health status. These tests are a way of evaluating an individual's overall health and identifying any potential health risks or issues that may require further attention.
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Some of the significant benefits of wellness diagnostic tests include:
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Redcliffe?Labs is a chain of diagnostic laboratories in India that provides a range of diagnostic services to help diagnose and manage various diseases and health conditions. The company has contributed significantly to wellness in India in several ways:
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Panels of tests for health checkups are important because they provide a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's health status. Rather than testing for individual parameters, health checkup panels typically include a range of tests that can identify any potential health risks or issues across multiple organ systems.
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Some of the significant benefits of panels of tests for health checkups include
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Overall, panels of tests for health checkups are a valuable tool in maintaining and improving overall health and wellness. They provide a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's health status, identify potential health risks, and can be used to develop personalized health plans tailored to an individual's unique needs.
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Redcliffe Labs wellness panels have had a significant impact on wellness activities in India by promoting preventive healthcare and encouraging individuals to take charge of their health. The panels provide a comprehensive assessment of an individual's health status and can help identify potential health problems at an early stage, allowing for timely interventions and treatments. This can help reduce the burden of illness and healthcare costs in India.
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By offering a range of wellness panels designed for different age groups and health needs, Redcliffe Lab has made it easier for individuals to access preventive healthcare services. The panels are also customizable, allowing individuals to tailor the tests to their specific health concerns and needs.
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Redcliffe Lab's wellness panels have also helped increase awareness of the importance of regular health check-ups and preventive healthcare in India. This has contributed to a shift in mindset from reactive to proactive healthcare, with individuals taking steps to maintain their health and prevent illness.
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Moreover, Redcliffe Lab has made these wellness panels available across multiple locations in India, making it easier for individuals to access these services. This has helped bridge the gap in healthcare access, particularly for those living in rural and remote areas.
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Overall, Redcliffe Lab's wellness panels have had a positive impact on wellness activities in India by promoting preventive healthcare, increasing awareness of the importance of regular health check-ups, and making these services more accessible to individuals across the country. It is very easy to register on line ?for home collection of samples from any part of the country. Reports are processed on the same day and results are transmitted electronically, taking care of the convenience of the clients at all times.
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9 个月Ashok, thanks for sharing! very meaningful article. ?