Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.
Q3. “India’s health transition is exposing the limits of a hospital-centric model of care.” Explain the nature of this transition and analyse the governance challenges it poses. Suggest a reorientation towards preventive and primary healthcare. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: NIE
Why the question
India is facing a rapid shift in disease patterns and health risks, while policy and spending continue to remain hospital-focused, raising concerns about system sustainability, equity and long-term public health outcomes.Key demand of the question
The question requires explaining India’s ongoing health transition, analysing the governance challenges created by a hospital-centric health system, and suggesting a clear policy reorientation towards preventive and primary healthcare.Structure of the Answer
Introduction
Briefly contextualise India’s epidemiological and demographic transition and indicate why a curative, hospital-driven model is becoming inadequate.Body
- Nature of the health transition and why it exposes limits of hospital-centric care.
- Governance challenges arising from over-reliance on tertiary hospitals, including financing, capacity and coordination issues.
- Reorientation needed towards preventive and primary healthcare through systemic and governance-level changes.
Conclusion
Conclude by linking preventive, primary care–led governance with constitutional responsibility, health equity and long-term system resilience.
