India is a diverse country with a population of over 1.3 billion people. While India has made significant strides in improving its healthcare system over the years, many marginalized children still do not have access to quality healthcare. This is a serious concern because children are the future of the country and it is essential that they have access to good healthcare to grow up healthy and strong. Campaigns like ‘Gift of Health’ strive to actualize such conditions.
Marginalized children in India
Children in India who are marginalized include those who are poor, from rural regions, lower castes, and members of ethnic and religious minorities. These kids frequently lack access to fundamental medical care, such as immunizations, prevalent illness treatment, clean water, and sanitary facilities. They are consequently more prone to ailments and diseases, which may have an extended negative impact on their health and well-being.
Lack of Quality Healthcare
One of the main reasons why marginalized children in India do not have access to quality healthcare is poverty. India has one of the highest poverty rates in the world, with approximately 22% of the population living below the poverty line. Poor families cannot afford to pay for healthcare, and even if they can, they often cannot access it due to the lack of healthcare facilities in their area. Many families also lack knowledge about preventive measures and health-seeking behavior.
Another reason for the lack of access to healthcare for marginalized children is the urban-rural divide. India’s healthcare system is heavily concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural areas with inadequate facilities. Rural areas also lack healthcare professionals, with only one doctor for every 10,000 people, compared to one doctor for every 1,700 people in urban areas. This disparity in healthcare provision leaves many marginalized children in rural areas without access to quality healthcare.
Furthermore, the caste system and discrimination against religious and ethnic minorities play a significant role in the lack of access to healthcare for marginalized children. Dalits and other lower castes often face discrimination when accessing healthcare facilities, with many hospitals and clinics refusing to treat them. Similarly, children from religious and ethnic minorities may also face discrimination and are often denied access to healthcare facilities.
The consequences of marginalized children not having access to quality healthcare are severe. Children who are not immunized against preventable diseases are at risk of contracting illnesses such as polio, measles, and tuberculosis. These diseases can have severe long-term effects on a child’s health, such as blindness, paralysis, and even death. Children who do not receive treatment for common illnesses such as diarrhea and pneumonia are also at risk of developing more severe and life-threatening complications.
Moreover, children who grow up with poor health are more likely to have poor educational outcomes, which can have long-term consequences on their ability to earn a livelihood and escape poverty. Poor health can also limit a child’s ability to participate in physical activities and enjoy a happy childhood.
It is essential that marginalized children in India have access to quality healthcare. This includes access to preventative measures such as immunization and education about good health practices, as well as access to healthcare facilities and healthcare professionals. The government of India has taken steps to improve healthcare access in recent years, such as the launch of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which aims to provide health insurance to the poor and marginalized. However, more needs to be done to ensure that all children, regardless of their background, have access to quality healthcare.
In conclusion, marginalized children in India must have access to quality healthcare. Poverty, the urban-rural divide, discrimination based on caste, religion, and ethnicity, and lack of knowledge are some of the reasons why many children in India do not have access to quality healthcare. The consequences of poor health can have long-term effects on a child’s health and well-being, as well as their ability to escape poverty and succeed in life. It is the responsibility of the government and NGOs like Auroveda to provide better opportunities.