Consider the following statements : Statement-I : India's public sector health care system largely focuses on curative care with limited preventive, promotive and rehabilitative care. Statement-II : Under India's decentralized approach to health care delivery, the States are primarily responsible for organizing health services. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
- (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
- (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
- (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Why the answer is (b)
• Statement-I is correct: India's public health spending and infrastructure have historically been skewed towards hospitals and curative care, with preventive, promotive and rehabilitative services under-provided — a gap the 2017 National Health Policy and Health and Wellness Centres seek to close.
• Statement-II is correct: 'public health and hospitals' is a State subject, so States organise and deliver health services, with the Centre providing schemes and funds.
• But the curative bias is not caused by decentralisation; it stems from funding patterns, medical training and demand, so Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.
• Hence option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation…
- State responsibility for health does not cause the curative bias, so II does not explain I.
- (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
- Statement-II is correct: health is primarily a State responsibility.
- (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
- Statement-I is correct: the system is curative-heavy.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2023, held on 28 May 2023. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.