02. Role of the Government in Health Class 7 Civics Notes for Chapter 2 CBSE Estimated reading: 8 minutes 37 views Welcome to Role of the Government in Health Class 7 Civics Notes for Chapter 2 CBSE. Chapter 2: Role of the Government in Health Health and Government Health Beyond Illness: Health encompasses more than just the absence of illness; it includes achieving a high living standard and improving public health. Constitutional Duty: The Indian Constitution obliges the State to elevate the standard of living and enhance public health, making it the government’s duty. Ways to Provide Healthcare for All Government’s Responsibility: The government can ensure healthcare for all through various means:a) Quality Healthcare Services: By providing accessible and quality healthcare services, the government ensures everyone has access to medical care.b) Emphasizing Prevention: Focusing on preventive measures, such as vaccination and health education, can reduce the occurrence of diseases.c) Basic Amenities: Addressing basic amenities like clean drinking water and sanitation plays a crucial role in controlling diseases. Public Health Services: Public health services, such as government hospitals and health centers, are designed to provide quality healthcare to all citizens, particularly those who are economically disadvantaged. Private Health Facilities: Private health facilities coexist with public services but are often costlier and may sometimes promote unnecessary medical practices. Impact of Water and Sanitation Controlling Diseases: Improving water and sanitation infrastructure can effectively control many diseases. Clean drinking water and proper sanitation reduce the risk of water-borne illnesses like cholera and hepatitis. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Introduction In this chapter, we explore the government’s role in healthcare, focusing on the broader concept of health beyond illness. We also look at global initiatives like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to healthcare. Costa Rican Approach In Costa Rica, a unique approach was taken. The government decided not to maintain a standing army and allocated the saved resources to healthcare, education, and basic needs. This decision has helped improve the overall health and well-being of the population. Impact of Government Policies Balancing Public and Private Services: India has both public and private healthcare services. The government aims to provide accessible and affordable care through public facilities while allowing private services to coexist. Healthcare Accessibility: Despite these efforts, there are challenges. In some areas, healthcare services are insufficient, and people must travel long distances to access medical care. This particularly affects rural populations. The Kerala Experience Overview Kerala, a state in India, implemented a unique decentralized approach to resource allocation. A significant portion (40%) of the state budget is allocated to local panchayats, empowering them to plan and provide for local needs. Impact This decentralized approach has led to improvements in various sectors, including healthcare. It allows local authorities to address specific issues in their communities, such as water supply, education, and healthcare. However, challenges remain, including shortages of medicines, hospital beds, and healthcare professionals. Glossary Important Keywords for Role of the Government in Health Class 7 Civics Notes for Chapter 2 CBSE. Public: Activities or services organized by the government for the benefit of all citizens. Private: Activities or services organized by individuals or companies for profit. Medical Tourists: Foreigners who come to India for medical treatment due to lower costs. Communicable Diseases: Diseases that can spread from one person to another through various means. OPD (Out Patient Department): Where people receive initial treatment in a hospital without admission. Ethics: Moral principles that guide behavior. Generic Names: Chemical names of drugs that help identify their ingredients. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) with Answers Important Questions for Role of the Government in Health Class 7 Civics Notes for Chapter 2 CBSE. 1. What is the government’s role in healthcare? Answer: The government is responsible for providing healthcare services to all citizens, especially the poor, as stated in the Constitution. 2. How can water and sanitation improve public health? Answer: Clean drinking water and proper sanitation reduce the risk of water-borne diseases, significantly improving public health. 3. What are communicable diseases? Answer: Communicable diseases are illnesses that can spread from one person to another through various means like water, food, or air. 4. What are the differences between public and private healthcare services? Answer: Public healthcare services are meant for all citizens and are often provided by the government, while private healthcare services are profit-driven and can be expensive. 5. How does the government fund healthcare services? Answer: The government uses tax revenue to fund healthcare services and other public amenities for the benefit of citizens. 6. What is the impact of emphasizing prevention in healthcare? Answer: Emphasizing prevention, such as vaccination and health education, can reduce the occurrence of diseases, promoting overall health. 7. How can basic amenities like clean drinking water contribute to public health? Answer: Clean drinking water is essential to prevent water-borne diseases, ensuring a healthier population. 8. Why is the government’s role crucial in providing quality healthcare? Answer: The government’s role is crucial because it ensures that healthcare services are accessible and affordable for all citizens, regardless of their economic status. 9. What are some examples of generic names of drugs? Answer: Generic names are chemical names that identify drug ingredients, such as “acetyl salicylic acid” for Aspirin. 10. How does the government balance public and private healthcare services in India? Answer: India has both public and private healthcare services, with the government aiming to provide accessible and affordable care through public facilities while allowing private services to coexist. 11. How does decentralization impact healthcare in Kerala? Answer: Decentralization allows local authorities to plan and provide for their communities’ needs, leading to improvements in various sectors, including healthcare. 12. What challenges does India face in balancing public and private healthcare services? Answer: India must ensure that both public and private healthcare services coexist to provide accessible and affordable care while addressing challenges like healthcare disparities and costs. 13. What are some challenges faced by rural populations in accessing healthcare? Answer: Rural populations often encounter challenges in accessing healthcare due to insufficient healthcare facilities, resulting in long journeys to receive medical care. 14. What is the impact of resource allocation on healthcare in Kerala? Answer: Allocating a significant portion of the state budget to local authorities in Kerala has led to improvements in various areas, including healthcare services. Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers 1. What is the primary duty of the government regarding healthcare? a) To provide healthcare only to the rich b) To ensure the welfare of all citizens, including healthcare c) To fund private healthcare services d) To promote traditional medicine Answer: b) To ensure the welfare of all citizens, including healthcare 2. What is the purpose of public health services? a) To provide expensive healthcare services b) To serve only urban areas c) To provide quality healthcare to all citizens, especially the poor d) To make a profit Answer: c) To provide quality healthcare to all citizens, especially the poor 3. What is the significance of clean drinking water and sanitation in healthcare? a) They have no impact on public health. b) They can control many diseases. c) They are expensive to implement. d) They are only necessary for rural areas. Answer: b) They can control many diseases. 4. How does Costa Rica prioritize healthcare for its citizens? a) By investing in the military b) By providing basic amenities like safe water and sanitation c) By ignoring healthcare d) By focusing on private healthcare services Answer: b) By providing basic amenities like safe water and sanitation 5. What are generic names of drugs? a) Names given by pharmaceutical companies b) Brand names of drugs c) Chemical names that identify drug ingredients d) Names used in traditional medicine Answer: c) Chemical names that identify drug ingredients 6. What is the primary source of funding for government healthcare services in India? a) Donations from international organizations b) Taxes collected from citizens c) Private healthcare providers d) Foreign aid Answer: b) Taxes collected from citizens 7. What is the main objective of emphasizing prevention in healthcare? a) Reducing the need for healthcare services b) Increasing the cost of healthcare c) Providing immediate treatment for all diseases d) Encouraging unhealthy behaviors Answer: a) Reducing the need for healthcare services 8. How does the government ensure healthcare services are accessible to the poor? a) By making healthcare services expensive b) By limiting healthcare to urban areas c) By providing quality healthcare services free or at a low cost d) By excluding the poor from healthcare services Answer: c) By providing quality healthcare services free or at a low cost 9. Which of the following is NOT a basic amenity essential for public health? a) Clean drinking water b) Sanitation facilities c) Education d) Housing Answer: c) Education 10. What is the primary reason for the government’s involvement in healthcare? a) To generate profit b) To serve only urban areas c) To ensure the welfare of all citizens, especially the poor d) To promote traditional medicine Answer: c) To ensure the welfare of all citizens, especially the poor This was the end of Role of the Government in Health Class 7 Civics Notes for Chapter 2 CBSE. For more information, refer to NCERT SOLUTIONS, NCERT NOTES, and NCERT BOOKS .
