Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health
Q4. “Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) represent not only a health challenge but also a governance failure”. Critically examine India’s approach to combating NTDs and suggest policy reforms for their effective elimination. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TheWeek
Why the Question
World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day is celebrated on January 30 every year and this year the World Health Organization (WHO) urged governments, leaders, communities and individuals to unite, act and eliminate these diseases through “bold, sustainable investments.
Key Demand of the Question
The question requires an analysis of why NTDs are not just a health issue but also a governance failure, an evaluation of India’s approach (both successes and failures), and policy recommendations for effective elimination.
Structure of the Answer
Introduction
Briefly define NTDs and highlight their disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. Mention India’s global disease burden and past elimination efforts to set the context.Body
- Why NTDs represent a governance failure: Discuss issues like poor healthcare access, weak surveillance, fragmented policies, low community participation, and funding gaps.
- India’s approach: Successes and failures: Present key achievements like disease eradication and vaccine development alongside persisting issues like rising cases, weak post-treatment monitoring, and policy implementation gaps.
- Policy reforms for effective elimination: Suggest governance-focused measures like strengthening surveillance, increasing investment in healthcare infrastructure, ensuring community participation, integrating digital technology, and improving coordination among agencies.
Conclusion
Provide a forward-looking perspective on achieving NTD elimination by aligning efforts with WHO’s 2030 roadmap through robust governance, technology-driven interventions, and sustainable financing.
