Table of Contents

APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 20/03/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (20-03-2025).

Mains Question

“Strengthening rural healthcare is critical for inclusive development in India. Discuss the significance of rural healthcare initiatives like Assam’s ‘Project Arogya’ and suggest measures to improve healthcare accessibility in remote areas.” (GS Paper 2: Governance, Health, Welfare Schemes)

Model Answer

Introduction

India’s rural population constitutes nearly 65% of the total population, yet rural healthcare infrastructure remains inadequate, underfunded, and inaccessible to millions. Initiatives like Assam’s ‘Project Arogya’ aim to bridge this healthcare gap by deploying mobile medical units, telemedicine, and upgraded Primary Health Centers (PHCs) to improve access to essential medical services.

Strengthening rural healthcare is essential for reducing disease burden, enhancing maternal and child health, and ensuring equitable health outcomes across socio-economic groups. However, persistent challenges like doctor shortages, poor infrastructure, and lack of awareness hinder effective implementation.

Significance of Rural Healthcare Initiatives

✅ 1. Expanding Medical Access to Remote & Tribal Areas

Many villages lack hospitals and trained medical staff, leading to preventable deaths.
Mobile health clinics & telemedicine bring medical services to inaccessible areas.

✅ 2. Reducing Maternal & Infant Mortality

High Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) persist due to poor antenatal care.
Initiatives like Project Arogya focus on maternal care, safe deliveries, and child nutrition.

✅ 3. Controlling Communicable & Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

Rural areas face frequent disease outbreaks (malaria, dengue, tuberculosis, etc.).
Early disease detection through AI-powered diagnostic centers can prevent health crises.

✅ 4. Strengthening Rural Health Infrastructure

Upgrading PHCs and Community Health Centers (CHCs) with modern medical equipment.
Expanding emergency care services in flood-prone and disaster-affected areas.

✅ 5. Digital Health Revolution for Rural India

Telemedicine platforms like e-Sanjeevani connect rural patients to urban specialists.
Digitization of health records under the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) ensures better patient tracking.

Challenges in Rural Healthcare & Possible Solutions

✅ 1. Shortage of Doctors & Trained Medical Staff

Most doctors prefer urban jobs due to better salaries & infrastructure.
Solution: Offering higher salaries, incentives, and rural service mandates for medical graduates.

✅ 2. Poor Infrastructure & Lack of Medical Equipment

Many PHCs lack electricity, clean water, and essential medicines.
Solution: PPP (Public-Private Partnerships) to improve hospital infrastructure & supply chains.

✅ 3. Lack of Awareness & Preventive Healthcare

Low health literacy leads to reliance on traditional medicine & delayed treatments.
Solution: Community awareness programs on hygiene, nutrition, and vaccinations.

✅ 4. Connectivity Issues Affecting Emergency Response & Telemedicine

Many villages have poor road networks & internet connectivity.
Solution: Expanding BharatNet for digital health services & deploying mobile clinics in remote areas.

✅ 5. Impact of Natural Disasters on Rural Healthcare

Floods & landslides disrupt access to hospitals and medicine supplies.
Solution: Disaster-ready floating hospitals & mobile emergency units in affected areas.

Government Initiatives for Rural Healthcare

✅ 1. Ayushman Bharat – Health & Wellness Centers (HWCs)

Focuses on preventive healthcare, screenings, and chronic disease management.

✅ 2. National Digital Health Mission (NDHM)

Creates electronic health records for efficient patient care.

✅ 3. Jan Aushadhi Yojana

Provides affordable medicines through rural pharmacy networks.

✅ 4. Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)

Early disease detection & treatment for children in rural schools.

✅ 5. Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) in Rural & Tribal Areas

Doorstep healthcare delivery for underserved communities.

Way Forward

✅ 1. Strengthening Rural Healthcare Workforce

Mandatory rural postings for doctors with attractive salary packages.
Increasing the number of medical colleges in rural districts.

✅ 2. Expanding Telemedicine & Digital Health Services

AI-powered diagnostics & teleconsultation services for remote patients.
Integrating rural PHCs with e-Sanjeevani for virtual specialist consultations.

✅ 3. Investing in Primary Healthcare & Disease Prevention

More funding for maternal care, vaccinations, and sanitation programs.
Encouraging community health workers (ASHA & ANM) for preventive care.

✅ 4. Public-Private Collaboration for Infrastructure & Medical Supply Chains

PPP models to develop world-class hospitals & distribute affordable medicines.

✅ 5. Strengthening Disaster-Resilient Healthcare Systems

Setting up mobile hospitals & emergency response units in flood-prone areas.

Conclusion

Strengthening rural healthcare through initiatives like ‘Project Arogya’ is crucial for achieving universal health coverage in India. By integrating mobile medical services, digital health solutions, and improved infrastructure, Assam can bridge the rural-urban healthcare divide. However, sustained investment, better governance, and community participation are essential to ensure long-term success and equitable healthcare access for all.

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