1. In this chapter, you have read that health is a wider concept than illness. Observe this quote from the Constitution and explain the terms ‘living standard’ and ‘public health’ in your own words. An important aspect of the Constitution says it is the “duty of the state to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health”.

    Explanation: 

     A person's standard of living is determined by their degree of income, comfort, tangible possessions, and, in this case, health. A person's or a country's high quality of living can be determined by how clean and healthy their living environment is. Contrarily, the quality of life declines as cleanliness standards rise. A poor standard of living might include eating unhygienic food and residing in unclean accommodations.

    The study of preserving and enhancing the general well-being of the populace through illness and injury prevention research, policy development, and instruction is known as public health. Indicators used to assess the state of public health include death rate, birth rate, diet index, and others.


    2. What are the different ways through which the government can take steps to provide healthcare to all? Discuss.

    Explanation: 

    The following actions can be taken by the government to provide its people with essential healthcare:


    • State governments can strengthen local panchayats by providing money for them, creating a self-sufficient healthcare entity in the process. Take the Kerala government as an example.

    • Governments can place a focus on educating the local population about healthcare issues, such as good practices and the advantages of living a healthy lifestyle.

    • By offering nutrition, sanitization, clean drinking water, and hygiene.

    • A significant part will also be played by the weekly organization of complimentary health examinations.


    3. What differences do you find between private and public healthcare services in your area? Use the following table to compare and contrast these.

    Facility

    Cost of Services

    Availability of Service

    Private



    Public




    Explanation:

     

    Facility

    Cost of services

    Availability of service

    Private

    High, extremely pricey


    Everything is accessible but expensive.


    Public

    Free or at a discounted price



    Public clinics are always busy. Despite the fact that fundamental services are offered, they are insufficient for the significant number of patients who frequent these hospitals.



    4.‘Improvement in water and sanitation can control many diseases.’ Explain with the help of examples.

    Explanation: 

    Numerous communicable illnesses, such as cholera, typhoid, and jaundice, are on the increase as a result of poor water quality. Additionally, the sources of such subpar water frequently serve as a haven for pathogens and insects. Particularly, standing water can encourage the breeding of mosquitoes, the carriers of diseases like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya. Improving the health of the local population will depend on getting rid of these bug spawning grounds.Take the most recent dengue epidemic in a metropolis as an illustration. Dengue and malaria cases in the city increased as a result of the municipal officials' poor maintenance of the waterways and lakes. Static water is necessary for mosquito eggs to develop. Because of defective and emissions