Let us learn about the role of government in health. The chief minister and the council of ministers are the main functionaries of state government. The state government has a welfare function to perform. It is the responsibility of the state to ensure that the citizens are provided with proper healthcare, education, employment, housing facilities, and good infrastructure in the form of roads, drainage, electricity, etc.

The Indian Constitution entrusts the states with the responsibility of raising the level of nutrition and the standard of living for its people and the improvement of public health. In this blog, we would look at the functioning of the state government through the example of healthcare and the role of government in health. The health of an individual is his most important asset.

World Health Organization (WHO) states that- The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.

Unfortunately, not all people in developing and underdeveloped nations enjoy health care facilities given by the state. In the light of the above statement, health can be seen as a matter of human rights and its violation should be seen as a violation of human rights. Therefore, it is crucial that the state plays an active role in providing healthcare to the people.

What is health?

When we think of a healthy person the first thing that comes to mind is that of a person who is physically fit and free from illness. However, health is not just confined to physical fitness but also means mental well-being. A person who is free from any fear or anxiety is seen as a healthy person. WHO defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely an absence of disease or infirmity. In recent years, health is also seen as the ability to lead a socially and economically productive life.

In order to attain total health, other factors like the availability of nutritional food, clean drinking water, and an environment devoid of pollutants also play a key role.

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