Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector could help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives would you suggest?

Theme

T109 Public health system & universal health coverage

What UPSC asks in this theme

Questions ask how the state should counter health marketisation, primary health as a precondition for sustainable development, community-level intervention for 'Health for All', public vs private role in UHC, and health MDGs.

What to cover

• Health system levels: sub-centre, PHC, CHC, district hospital; HWCs under Ayushman Bharat
• Public health spending vs out-of-pocket expenditure
• PM-JAY: coverage and issues
• Community health workers: ASHA, ANM
• Public vs private: regulation, PPP, strategic purchasing
• MDGs to SDG 3

Writing the answer

• Use NFHS/NHA data
• Structure: gaps → state's role → private role → reforms

These notes are for the whole theme, built from all 5 of its PYQs. UPSC does not publish model answers.