Test: Role of Government in Health- 2 - Class 7 MCQ

In 1996, the Kerala government made a significant change by devolving 40% of the state budget to panchayats. This move empowered villages to plan and cater to their specific needs, including water, food, women's development, and education. By decentralizing resources and decision-making, Kerala aimed to address local issues effectively and improve the overall well-being of its communities.

The Medical Council of India's Code of Medical Ethics emphasizes that physicians should prescribe drugs with generic names and ensure there is a rational prescription and use of drugs. This practice aims to promote cost-effective and appropriate medication use, benefiting patients in terms of affordability and efficacy.

• Communicable diseases are those that can be spread from one person to another through various means such as water, food, air, and direct contact.
• These diseases are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
• They can be transmitted through respiratory droplets, contaminated food and water, blood transfusions, sexual contact, and insect bites.
• Examples of communicable diseases include the common cold, influenza, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and cholera.

- Governments organize disease prevention campaigns to:
- Raise awareness about health risks linked to contaminated water, which can lead to diseases like diarrhoea.
- Educate citizens on proper hygiene and sanitation practices to prevent the spread of infections.
- Encourage the community to maintain clean environments, reducing mosquito breeding and contamination.
- Such campaigns help empower residents with knowledge to protect themselves and participate actively in public health efforts.

One of the significant challenges faced by many individuals in India is the high cost associated with private healthcare services. This poses a barrier to accessing necessary medical care, as the expenses can be prohibitive for a considerable portion of the population.

Costa Rica made a crucial decision to disband its army, enabling the government to allocate the saved resources towards improving healthcare, education, and other essential needs of the population. This strategic move allowed Costa Rica to prioritize the well-being of its citizens over military expenditures, leading to a stronger focus on public health initiatives and social development.

The correct answer is (B) because private health facilities in India are not owned or controlled by the government, unlike public health facilities. Patients must pay significant fees for services at private facilities, making them less affordable than public healthcare options, which are generally government-funded and aim to be more accessible to everyone.

With the rise of private healthcare services and the relatively stagnant growth of public services in India, one significant consequence has been the increased cost of healthcare. This has made healthcare services less accessible to many individuals, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds who may struggle to afford the high expenses associated with private healthcare facilities.