India's SDG Progress and Challenges in Health and Nutrition
In June this year, India achieved its best-ever rank of 99 out of 167 nations in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index, marking significant improvement from 109 in 2024, due to advancements in basic services and infrastructure. However, challenges persist, particularly in health and nutrition, notably in rural and tribal areas.
SDG 3: Ensure Healthy Lives
- Goal: To ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
- Current Issues:
- Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is 97 deaths per 100,000 live births, short of the 2030 target of 70.
- Under-five mortality rate is 32 deaths per 1,000 live births against the target of 25.
- Life expectancy is 70 years, below the target of 73.63 years.
- Out-of-pocket health-care expenditure is 13% of total consumption, exceeding the target of 7.83%.
- Immunisation coverage is 93.23%, not yet universal.
Reasons for Gaps
- Lack of access to quality health care due to poor infrastructure and economic factors.
- Non-economic factors like poor nutrition, hygiene, sanitation, and lifestyle choices.
- Cultural practices and stigma around physical and mental health.
Strategies for Improvement
- Universal Health Insurance: This can lower catastrophic health-care expenditure and improve access.
- High-Quality Primary Health Centres: Coordination of primary, secondary, and tertiary care is essential.
- Harnessing Digital Health Tools: Tools like telemedicine can bridge access gaps, particularly in rural areas.
Preventive Measures
- Health education for schoolchildren on nutrition, hygiene, reproductive health, road safety, and mental health.
- Developing health habits at a young age to ensure long-term benefits.
Global Examples
- Finland: School-based health reforms reduced cardiovascular diseases.
- Japan: Compulsory health education improved hygiene and life expectancy.
Policy Recommendations
- Embed health education in school curricula.
- Invest in universal health coverage and primary health care.
Community Involvement
- Parents should ensure health topics are covered in school curricula.
While India’s improved SDG ranking is encouraging, only 17% of global targets are on track for 2030. Educating youth about healthy behavior and strengthening health-care systems are critical for sustainable progress towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
