Often, it is stated with much vehemence, that the socio-economic development of a country contributes greatly to the health of its citizens. But are we getting it wrong? Are we placing the carriage before the horse? Should we be looking at it the other way? Perhaps it is time to consider healthcare’s role in furthering the economic development of a country.
In rural areas, the problems with respect to healthcare start with poor facilities or the shameful lack thereof. Many people living in remote, far-flung parts of the country have no access to clean drinking water or sanitation facilities. Due to these factors, they contract diseases which either result in slow deterioration of health due to improper medication, or sometimes, even a quick death. But, if these very same people are provided with basic amenities like clean water, toilets, and homes to sleep in instead of dusty streets, with hospitals to visit in times of medical need, they can turn into healthy, productive members of society, and of the collective workforce, thereby contributing to national wealth.
It is often ignored by policy makers that infants and children need proper nutrition. Studies have shown that good nutrition received during early stages of childhood ultimately leads to enhanced cognitive development and learning ability. Enhanced learning through this will contribute to human capital at later stages, which a very important factor of economic growth. At the present time, it is condemnable that children do not receive proper nutrition even in semi-urban areas of India. This is due to poor education and awareness in this regard.
What is noteworthy is that good health and investment are naturally linked. Companies and big investors put their money where workforces are healthier (this is one of the reasons why hospitals and clinics are rarely set up in rural areas). Urban environments, although definitely not completely rid of diseases, are more likely to be chosen as centres for medical tourism as well, when compared to the deprived rural areas. Since January 2000, FDI has also come into the picture, boosting investment greatly, thereby leading to development of the one of the fastest growing sectors in India, which in turn contributes to economic growth as well.
Over the last century, family sizes have dropped. Investment in reproductive health has led to reduced poverty in semi-urban areas, simply reducing family size. In the future, similar investments at a societal level will lead to economic development. But it will only happen gradually and over a period of time. If it does, these changes might lead to a period during which countries will boast of a high ratio of workers to dependents. This will boost national savings, resulting in enhanced growth by funding and investment.
The bottom line is, healthier people are happier people. With happier people in the country, it is easier to move forward. Happiness, of course, is conditional on whether or not healthy people are given employment, paid adequate salaries, and room to grow. It is a general belief that the fewer the health risks, the more people are open to exploring new areas in which to settle down – this solves more than one problem. It can lead to greater urbanisation, and also lead to the setting up of educational institutions, thereby leading to higher literacy levels as well. It all comes a full circle – and perhaps the starting point ought to be, for a change, bettering the healthcare system.