Population growth is a serious concern in India. Since India gained independence in 1947, the country’s population has grown from 336 million to 1.5 billion, raising concerns about public health, poverty, infections and access to healthcare. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Poonam Muttreja, executive director of the Population Foundation of India, said, “Population growth is often cited as a key factor affecting public health in India, but this view oversimplifies the issue. A holistic approach is needed, moving from population control to women’s empowerment, education and health, and strengthening family planning and reproductive health services. Given our public health system, clearly, demand outweighs supply. However, it would be misguided to focus only on demand while ignoring supply-side issues.”
Lack of manpower crisis in healthcare:
Dr Gandhali Deorukhkhar, gynaecologist and obstetrician at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central, explained – “Any discussion on healthcare delivery must include perhaps the most central character – the human workforce. A 2011 study estimated that India has about 20 healthcare workers per 10,000 population, with allopathic doctors making up 31% of the workforce, nurses and midwives 30%, pharmacists 11%, AYUSH practitioners 9% and others 9%. This workforce is not optimally distributed, with most people preferring to work in areas where there is more infrastructure and facilities for family life and development. In general, the rate is lower in poorer areas of northern and central India.
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Affordability or cost of health care:
With the cost of healthcare rising, it has become extremely difficult for people from the lower income groups of the country to access proper healthcare facilities. This concern also comes with the increasing population of the country.
Fertility Rate:
The fertility rate has fallen below the replacement level (two children per woman) in 17 out of 22 states. Based on data available in India’s decennial Census and the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), all religious groups in India have shown large declines in fertility rates.
Addressing inequalities:
Rather than counting the numbers, it is important to trust your numbers. It is important to recognise unequal distribution, unsustainable consumption patterns and production methods as the key issues. Addressing these inequalities can lead to better health outcomes and sustainable development. It is important to invest in girls’ education and women’s empowerment.
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