Public Health in India Aalok Ranjan Chaurasia

Transcript:Public Health in India Aalok Ranjan Chaurasia:
Public Health in India Aalok Ranjan Chaurasia Outline Health and Public Health Public Health in India Before the Colonial period During the Colonial period After the colonial period Essential Public Health Functions Mortality transition in India Health The World Health Organisation defines Health (of an individual) as the state of complete physical mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. World Health Organisation, however, does not define Public Health. Death Death, on the planet Earth, is inevitable. A large number of deaths are premature. A substantial proportion of deaths can be avoided. Public Health is related to preventing premature and unavoidable deaths. A Model of Health Public Health If the disease condition is avoided, the probability or the chance of death or disability can be reduced. Public Health is therefore described as the science and art of preventing diseases, prolonging life and promoting health (of individuals) through organised efforts and informed choices. Public Health Public Health deals with the group of people rather than individuals. Dimensions of public health Health promotion Disease prevention Early diagnosis and prompt treatment Disability limitation Rehabilitation Traditional Indian Approach The Indian approach to health is enshrined in the concepts and principles of Ayurveda which means the ‘science of life’. Ayurveda is one of the oldest system of health care in the World. Ayurveda deals with both preventive and curative aspects of health. Health defined by WHO is very similar to concepts of Ayurveda. Western Approach The western approach of avoiding diseases, death and disability, traditionally focused on personal hygiene and public sanitation during the 19th Century. This approach, combined with better food availability, paid rich dividend in the developed countries in reducing morbidity and mortality. Components of Public Health Epidemiology Measurement of disease conditions in relation to the population at risk. Statistics Collection, presentation, analysis and interpretation of epidemiological data. Health Services Services directed towards meeting the health needs of the people. Public Health before the Colonial Period Little is known about public health activities before the colonial period. Main stream system of health care was Ayurveda. Home-based care appeared to be the dominant feature. There appeared little organised efforts or institutional care to treat diseases and prevent deaths. Public Health during the Colonial Period Evolution of public health system during the colonial period followed the same path that was followed in Britain. Public health efforts were focused largely on