Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.
Q3. “The dominance of private healthcare in India has transformed health from a welfare service into a market commodity.” Critically examine this statement. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: DTE
Why the question
Rising healthcare costs and increasing reliance on private providers have reignited debates on equity, affordability, and the role of the State in health governance.Key Demand of the question
The question requires critical examination of the claim that healthcare has shifted from a welfare service to a market commodity, along with balanced evaluation of both supporting and opposing dimensions.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly link health to welfare state and constitutional backing
Body
- Marketisation of healthcare: Show how private dominance and cost structures indicate commodification
- Continuing welfare orientation: Highlight role of State schemes, constitutional provisions, and public institutions limiting full commodification
Conclusion
Provide a balanced and reform-oriented closing linking equity with governance
