In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate healthcare policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal healthcare. Discuss. (UPSC 2020)

Sound healthcare policies are essential for social development as they protect vulnerable groups, reduce inequality and improve productivity. In India, maternal and geriatric care need special focus because both face high health risks, high costs and large regional gaps.

• Maternal healthcare: Safe pregnancy, institutional delivery, nutrition and post-natal care reduce maternal and infant mortality, enable women’s education and work participation, and help break intergenerational poverty.
• Geriatric healthcare: With ageing and rising chronic disease, elder care must include screening, treatment, palliative care, mental health support and home-based services to ensure dignity and prevent neglect.
• Policy priorities: Strengthen primary health centres, skilled staff, referral systems, affordable medicines, transport and cash support; community health workers should track high-risk pregnancies and frail elders.

Such inclusive policies are core investments in human capital, social justice and sustainable development.