Healthcare is fundamental to national progress in any sphere. In terms of resources for economic development, nothing can be considered of higher importance than the health of the people which is a measure of their energy, capacity and potential for productive work. Health is a positive state of well being in which the harmonious development of physical and mental capacities of the individual lead to the enjoyment of a rich and full life. It is not a negative state of mere absence of disease. Health further implies complete adjustment of the individual to his total environment, physical and social.
Considerable achievements have been made since Independence in 1947 to improve health standards in the country. Nevertheless, problems abound. India has to deal with rising costs of healthcare and growing expectations of the people. The challenge of quality health services in remote rural regions has to be urgently met.
AIDS, cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke are not only serious health problems but also pose formidable development issues on account of their potential adverse impact on productivity and hence socio-economic development.
The present volume comprises 26 research papers contributed by psychologists, psychiatrists, home scientists, AIDS counsellors, social workers and human resources (HM) experts which provide deep psycho-social and neurological insights into various dimensions of healthcare challenges being faced by India. Out of 26 papers, 15 papers deal with the pressing problem of HIV/AIDS and the remaining 11 with other physical and mental disorders including cancer, diabetes, depression, inhalant abuse, sleep problems, examination stress and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These well-researched papers provide valuable information on management of healthcare problems in India. |
