Class 7 Civics Chapter 2 Question Answers - Role of Government in Health

Short Answer Question

Q1. A man is getting his beard shaved by a barber. How this is related to health?
Ans: If the tools used by the barber to shave his beard are not sterilised and clean, it may negatively affect the man's health.

• Unclean tools can transmit bacteria or infections.
• Proper hygiene is essential to prevent skin irritations or diseases.

Q2. A lady is carrying drinking water from an open well. How this is related to health?
Ans: If the lady and her family drink water from an open and polluted well without boiling or cleaning it, they may:

• Fall ill
• Be prone to infections
• Contract diseases

Access to clean drinking water is crucial for maintaining good health.

Q3. A boy lives in a neighbourhood where there are lot of plants, parks and garbage bins. Safai karamcharies always cleans his surrounding and take out the garbage kept in garbage bins. Do you think Aman lives in healthy environment? Give reason for your answer.Fig: Safai Karamcharis cleaning the roads
Ans: Yes, Aman lives in a healthy environment.

• Aman enjoys many trees in his neighbourhood, which provide clean air.
• The presence of parks creates a pleasant atmosphere for outdoor activities.
• Regular cleaning by safai karamcharies keeps the area tidy and hygienic.
• A clean and green environment is essential for good health.

Q4. Lavy lives at a place where garbage is thrown here and there. There is no dustbin in her society and no clean water from the tap. Water puddles are here and there on which flies keep on fluttering. Do you think Lavy lives in a healthy environment? Give reason for your answer.
Ans: No, Lavy does not live in a healthy environment because:

• There is a lack of cleanliness in her area.
• Water puddles create a breeding ground for flies.
• Garbage promotes the growth of disease-causing microbes.

Q5. Why do you think most doctors settle in urban areas?
Ans: Most doctors choose to settle in urban areas for several key reasons:

• Access to facilities: Urban areas have more hospitals and clinics, ensuring better healthcare services.
• Specialisation: Cities provide opportunities for doctors to specialise in various fields.
• Patient volume: Higher population density leads to more patients seeking care.
• Income potential: Doctors in cities often earn higher incomes due to private practice and specialised services.
• Resources: Urban areas offer better access to medical equipment and technology.

Q6. What do you mean by proper and adequate health care facilities?
Ans: Proper and adequate health care facilities are essential for maintaining public health. They include:

• A sufficient number of health centres and hospitals
• Laboratories equipped for accurate testing
• Quick ambulance services
• Accessible blood bank facilities

These facilities ensure that individuals receive the necessary care and treatment when needed.

Q7. Differentiate between public and private health care systems.
Ans: Public health care system:

• Managed by the government.
• Provides services at a lower cost.
• Includes government hospitals and health centres.
• Aims to offer care for everyone, including the poor.

Private health care system:

• Operated by individuals or companies.
• Generally more expensive.
• Includes private clinics and hospitals.
• Focuses on profit rather than universal access.

Q8. Why are government hospitals less expensive as compared to private hospitals?
Ans: Government hospitals are generally less expensive than private hospitals due to several key factors:

• They are funded by taxes collected from the public.
• Their main aim is to provide welfare services rather than to make a profit.
• Private hospitals operate on a for-profit basis, which leads to higher costs for patients.
• Government hospitals often offer subsidised services to ensure affordability.

Fig: Government hospital

Q9. Describe the function of the public health system.
Ans: The public health system has several important functions:

• Provides quality health care services at low or no cost.
• Ensures access to treatment for all, including the poor.
• Takes action to prevent the spread of diseases such as malaria, TB, and cholera.
• Requires government organisation and community participation for effectiveness.

Q10. Why is it important to pay taxes to the government?
Ans: The government uses tax money to provide essential services that benefit all citizens. These services include:

• Defence and police protection
• Judicial system
• Construction and maintenance of roads and highways
• Developmental programmes in health and education
• Relief and rehabilitation during natural disasters like floods and earthquakes
• Funding for space, nuclear, and missile programmes

Taxes ensure that the government can deliver these vital services, which individuals cannot organise on their own.

Q11. To earn more money, private hospitals are encouraging practices that are not correct. Comment on the statement.
Ans: This is true in some cases. Private healthcare centres often prioritise profit over patient care. Key issues include:

• Use of expensive treatments instead of cheaper alternatives.
• Doctors may prescribe unnecessary medications, injections, or saline solutions when simpler treatments would suffice.
• This practice can lead to increased costs for patients, making healthcare less affordable.

Overall, the focus on profit can compromise the quality of care provided.