Since the passing of former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on 26th November’s evening, people across India are reflecting on his immense contributions to the country. Serving as Prime Minister for two consecutive terms from 2004 to 2014, Singh is widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic liberalisation, which transformed the nation’s growth trajectory. At this juncture, TISHHA News remembers Dr. Singh for his significant role in transforming the country’s healthcare system during his tenure, especially in the areas of rural health, education, and access to affordable care.
Role in Shaping India’s Healthcare Sector
As the first prime minister since Jawaharlal Nehru to return to power, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s leadership was both historic and impactful. Known for his soft-spoken demeanor and technocratic approach, he had an extensive career before becoming Prime Minister. He had headed India’s central bank, served as finance secretary and minister, and even led the opposition in the Rajya Sabha. As a prime minister, Dr. Singh, played a significant role in transforming the country’s healthcare system. He put special emphasis in the areas of rural health, education, and access to affordable care. His contributions left a lasting impact on more than a billion Indians, with reforms and initiatives that continue to benefit the population today.
National Rural Health Mission lunched in 2005
One of Dr. Manmohan Singh’s key achievements was the launch of the National Rural Health Mission (NHRM) in 2005. This initiative aimed to improve healthcare access in rural India by mobilizing half a million community health workers. The mission received praise from global health experts, including American economist Jeffrey Sachs, for its potential to improve healthcare outcomes in underserved areas. The program focused on improving infrastructure, sanitation, and the availability of health services in remote regions, addressing the disparity in healthcare between urban and rural populations.
Proposed Reservation in AIIMS
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s government also made strides in expanding higher education access in healthcare-related fields. In 2006, the government implemented a proposal to reserve 27% of seats in prestigious institutions like All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). This move, although controversial and met with protests, was a crucial step towards increasing diversity and providing opportunities for marginalized groups in India’s higher education system.
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s government also introduced the Right to Education Act (RTE) in 2009, which mandated free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14. This act contributed to the improvement of literacy rates across the country, with significant implications for public health, as education is a key determinant of health outcomes.
Deeply Involved in Global Health Discussions
Dr. Manmohan Singh was also deeply involved in global health discussions, particularly regarding affordable healthcare and the access to medicines in developing countries. He was a member of a World Health Organization (WHO) committee that highlighted the importance of affordable healthcare and the need for innovative solutions to make new medicines accessible to poorer nations. His vision included the integration of global public health strategies to address the needs of developing countries and combat diseases arising from changing lifestyles, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Under his leadership, India also made significant progress in addressing maternal and child health. Singh supported international initiatives led by WHO and UNICEF to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, improve prenatal and postnatal care, and ensure safe institutional deliveries. His government emphasized the need for an integrated approach to public health, which included improving sanitation, safe drinking water, nutrition, and access to affordable healthcare services.
Holistic Approach to Comprehensive Healthcare
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s focus on comprehensive healthcare aimed to move away from fragmented disease-specific interventions to a more holistic approach. His government recognized the importance of a healthy environment, effective sanitation, and the need for preventive healthcare to reduce the burden of diseases. This vision was encapsulated in the National Rural Health Mission, which sought to restore a comprehensive public health framework, leveraging local governance structures like Panchayati Raj institutions to ensure that healthcare services were effectively managed at the grassroots level. Through these initiatives and policies, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s government laid the foundation for a more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable healthcare system in India. His efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare infrastructure, improve education in healthcare fields, and ensure equitable access to services have had a far-reaching impact, improving the lives of millions and shaping India’s public health landscape for years to come.
Source of Information:- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg4zg690py9o
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manmohan_Singh
https://archivepmo.nic.in/drmanmohansingh/speech-details.php?nodeid=91&utm_source=perplexity
