Compare public health services with those of private health services. [V. Imp.]
(a) Public health services are run by the government while private health services are managed by the individuals or companies.
(b) Public health services provide health care facilities either free or at a low cost so that even the poor can seek treatment easily. Thus, money-making is not a goal of public health services. So far private health services are concerned, they are run mainly for profit. They usually prescribe expensive medicines. It is common for private doctors to prescribe unnecessary medicines, injections or saline bottles when tablets or simple medicines can suffice.
(c) Public health services are found both in rural and urban areas. But private health services are concentrated in urban areas.
(d) We often find huge rush at the government hospitals. People have to wait for hours in a long queue. But private hospitals are maintained properly. People don't face such long queues there.
What are the different ways through which the government can take steps to provide healthcare for all? Discuss.
Improvement in water and sanitation can control many diseases'. Explain with the help of examples.
In this chapter you have read that health is a wider concept than illness. Look at this quote from the Constitution and explain the terms living standard' and public health' in your own words.
An important part 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. "
What differences do you find between private and public health services in your area? Use the following table to compare and contrast these.