Currently, any investment in health care has failed to translate into a sense of security and sanctuary for many Indians.
The brevity of human memory is often a blessing and necessary for us to collectively heal from suffering. But the lessons we learn from suffering are perhaps even more important. As our people continue to face individual and collective grief as a result of the Novel Coronavirus pandemic, it is the moral responsibility of our leaders to look ahead and learn the necessary lessons.
A place for this ‘right’
The lesson here is the need for a constitutional ‘right to health for all’. The pandemic has exposed and exacerbated the cracks in our health care systems, and this is a lesson we cannot ignore or learn.
In June this year, I called on the Parliament of India to take urgent measures to make necessary amendments to the Constitution to declare health care as a fundamental right. I was reassured by the positive response from MPs from all parties who supported this call. Now is the time for India to make this a reality so that our people never have to go through the pain they did.
from the point of view of citizens
The primary question raised is what would the constitutional ‘right to health’ mean for a citizen of India? I will try and explain it through the lens of three categories of citizens: farmers and unorganized workers, women and children.
Farmers are the primary defenders of our fundamental right to life. Yet, the majority remain at a loose end when it comes to their rights and well-being, and to their families. Without anchor in times of serious illness or illness, generations of children of small and landless farmers, and unorganized, migrant and seasonal workers are forced into bondage and debt to pay medical costs from their limited earnings. Employment benefit schemes do not reach them and those that do are mostly on paper. Implementation of the Right to Health can provide simple, transparent and quality health care to those who are most in need of such care.
Women bear a disproportionate burden of deficiencies in our health care system. The taboos and patriarchal expectations surrounding their health lead to immensely avoidable suffering. In addition, social and economic challenges prevent them from accessing freely and openly available minor care. A ‘right to health’ would mean that services reach the woman where she needs them.
The vast majority of children who belong to our country’s poorest and most marginalized communities grow up working in hazardous conditions, be it farms, mines, brick kilns or factories. They are either not enrolled in schools or unable to attend because of the pressing financial needs of the family – often due to unforeseen medical expenses.
making it safe for kids
My organization has rescued over 1,00,000 such children from child labour, bonded labor and trafficking. When rescued, these children suffer from the complex health effects of working – primarily tuberculosis, skin diseases, loss of eyesight, and malnutrition, in addition to substantial mental health effects. These children have been denied the safety net of early childhood care and protection, the consequences of which are felt throughout their lives. The ‘Right to Health’ will help transform children in exploitative situations into a safer future.
A constitutional ‘right to health’ will not only transform the health and well-being of our people but also act as a leap forward for the economic and developmental progress of the nation. At present, any investment in health care fails to translate into a sense of security and sanctuary for the people of India. Instead, the complex and often corrupt means of accessing existing health care only increase suffering rather than reduce it. The vision of Ayushman Bharat will be further strengthened by the constitutional ‘right to health’. The immediate financial security that accompanies the constitutional ‘right to health’ will be seen to have a measurable impact on family savings, greater investment and job creation on the one hand, and on long-term emotional, psychological and social security. People.
as a legacy
The world is taking steps, both big and small, to overcome the pandemic through foresight in policy and investment. India should not be left behind. The right to free and compulsory education was arguably one of the most valuable legacies of the previous government. The true proof of bold leadership lies in his timely, compassionate and courageous decisions for the greater good. A constitutional amendment to implement ‘Right to Health for India’ could be the legacy of this government.
Kailash Satyarthi, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, is an advocate of children’s rights. He is also the founder of the Global Campaign for Education and Award Winners and Leaders for Children.
.