“My Health, My Right”

World Health Day

Author:Dr. Jaswant Singh Puri Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) Social Activist Punjab Rattan, Member, Dewan Family, Erstwhile Princely State of Patiala, Punjabi University Medalist

India

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Chandigarh, April 06, 2024:

World Health Day is a global health awareness day. It is celebrated every year on April 7 under the auspices of World Health Organisation and other concerned organisations. April 7 also highlights and marks the anniversary of WHO in 1948. So this day is an annual observance established by the WHO to draw and raise awareness about international public health issues. The WHO Council on the Economics of Health for all has found that at least 140 countries recognize health as human right in their constitution
since this year’s theme is “My Health, My Right”. The right to health of millions is increasingly coming under threat. So the countries all over the world should introduce the laws to ensure that people are entitled to access health services. This year’s theme was chosen to create an access the right of everyone, everywhere for quality health services, education, and information along with pure drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing and befitting environment.

The WHO organizes international, regional and local events related to a particular theme. World Health Day is one of the eleven official global health campaigns marked by WHO along with World Tuberculosis Day, World Malaria Day, World No Tobacco Day, World Aids Day, World Blood Donor Day, World Chagas Disease Day, World Patient Safety Day, World Antimicrobial Week and World Hepatitis Day.It is true that ‘good health adds life to years’. It is also correct to remark that diseases like hypertension, diabetes, depression, heart beat etc. are curable and preventable. The WHO deserves cheers as it has been able to eradicate smallpox. The World Health Organisation with the support of the nations has been able to curtail the diseases like tuberculosis, polio, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS. It has also played a significant role in controlling the global pandemic caused by the corona virus. India also played a successful job by inventing
vaccine to subside the ravaging corona epidemic.

Every year, the theme is a different one so that global health becomes a sure for all. Government of India is taking numerous steps to ensure that people have access to quality and affordable healthcare services to move towards building a healthier India. India’s commitment to achieve Universal Health Coverage is clearly presented in policies and institutions. India launched Ayushman Bharat to expand universal health
coverage, especially in rural and vulnerable population. Moreover, Ayushman Bharat Jan Aarogya Yojna and Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is introduced for various health services. India has also strengthened medical education across India. Institute of Medical Sciences has accelerated three times increase in nine years. The number of medical colleges and MBBS seats has also increased along with number of Post-Graduateseats. Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojna is a remarkable step to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the masses through medical outlets like Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushdhi Kendras to provide generic medicines at much lesser price.

Above all, Mission Indradhanush was launched in December, 2014 to increase the immunization coverage to more than ninety percent. The Government of India has also introduced eSanjeevani (National Telemedicine Service) as conceptualized by the Ministry Of Health And Family Welfare.This scheme has led to massive improvement in access to specialized health services, especially in rural areas.

Moreover, India is determined and committed to achieve our Prime Minister’s vision of eliminating TB by
2025. Also, India has been certified polio free by the Regional Polio Certification
Commission in March, 2014.

“My Health, My Right” theme for the year 2024 emphasizes a focus to live a healthy life for everyone and everywhere. This theme highlights quality healthcare, importance of education for health, address the root causes of health disparities, to highlight the prevention, treatment of infectious diseases, to raise awareness about chronic diseases and mental health issues, environmental health, health equality etc.

World Health Day should lay good emphasis on all the sects of medicine like Homeopathic Science, Ayurvedic Science, Unani System of Medicine, Acupuncture, Naturopathy etc. since every science has its own benefits. There has beenspiritual healing also which does find a place in the realm of Sikh Spiritual Gurus and many more. ‘Jai Guru Ji’ has cured a number of patients through spiritual blessings,
examples for which are found throughout the world.

Moreover, there has been some diseases like autism, deafness and blindness for which the WHO is doing a lot. National Society for the Prevention of Blindness was established in 1960 with its office in New Delhi. Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, the then Health Minister, Government of India was elected as its Chief Patron. A number of hospitals have been built by the Government, NGOs and philanthropists. A number of insurance companies have also come forward to help the people in general to meet their expenses on various diseases.

World Health Day is not just about raising awareness. It is a catalyst for change. It motivates individuals to adopt healthier habits by the government to invest in healthcare infrastructure and resources and unite the people across the globe in a common goal for good health.

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