Healthcare and Economic Development in India: An Interdisciplinary Perspective.

Abstract

Rural communities in India, particularly tribal populations, hold distinct health beliefs and practices. Some tribes attribute diseases to hostile spirits or the violation of taboos, relying on magical or religious remedies. Meanwhile, certain rural inhabitants adhere to traditional medicine systems, alongside recognized practices like Ayurveda, unani, siddha, and naturopathy, for overall well-being and disease prevention. Unfortunately, various socio-economic, cultural, and political challenges, driven in part by the inconsistent exploitation of resources, threaten the naturally healthy environment. This includes access to nutritious food, clean air and water, beneficial vegetation, healthy lifestyles, and supportive community values. Rural health issues are further exacerbated by a lack of health literature and awareness, inadequate maternal and child health services, and occupational hazards. (R. C. Goya in 2018). Conventional wisdom suggests that economic growth is a prerequisite for advancements in human health. However, recent research studies and reports, notably from organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank, have shifted this perspective. Over the past few decades, these studies have demonstrated the positive impact of investments in health on both poverty reduction and economic growth (refer to World Bank, 1993; WHO, 2001). Contrary to the traditional belief, the established pathway indicates that improved macroeconomic fundamentals, such as high economic growth and stability, serve as conditions that not only increase resources available for social spending, including health, but also enhance living standards. This is achieved by creating employment opportunities and boosting income, ultimately leading to improved health conditions. Utilizing secondary sources of data, this paper endeavors to investigate key health indicators and their relationship with economic growth. The study also aims to assess how enhanced health outcomes influence both labor productivity and human capital.