Health and Nutrition Justice — Current Affairs 2026

Current Affairs Connections

Recent developments and news linked to Health and Nutrition Justice.

Launch of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) to Revolutionize Healthcare Access

September 27, 2021 (National Rollout), ongoing developments in 2024-25

The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) aims to create a seamless online platform for healthcare, enabling interoperability of health data. It involves creating unique health IDs for citizens, a healthcare professional registry, and a health facility registry. In 2024-25, the focus has been on expanding its reach and integrating more public and private healthcare providers. This digital push is crucial for improving accessibility, efficiency, and transparency in healthcare delivery, especially for remote populations. It has the potential to bridge information gaps and facilitate better policy decisions, directly contributing to health justice by ensuring equitable access to health records and services.

UPSC Angle:

Background (2023–2024)

Earlier events that provide context for this topic.

Union Budget 2024-25 Boosts Health Sector with Focus on Ayushman Bharat and Research

February 1, 2024

The Union Budget 2024-25 continued its emphasis on strengthening healthcare infrastructure and expanding coverage. Key announcements included increased allocations for the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), aiming to extend its benefits to all ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and helpers. There was also a push for medical research and innovation, with a focus on establishing more medical colleges and promoting cervical cancer vaccination. This reflects the government's commitment to both universal health coverage and preventive healthcare, crucial for achieving health justice. From a UPSC angle, aspirants should analyze how these budgetary allocations align with the goals of SDG 3 and address the challenges of out-of-pocket expenditure and access to quality care.

UPSC Angle: Analyze the impact of Union Budget 2024-25 health allocations on universal health coverage and preventive care. Evaluate the potential of extending Ayushman Bharat to frontline workers for improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities. Discuss the role of public-private partnerships in achieving these goals.

Global Hunger Index 2023 Report: India's Ranking and Government's Response

October 12, 2023

The Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2023 report ranked India 111th out of 125 countries, placing it in the 'serious' category of hunger. The report highlighted child wasting as a primary concern. While the government of India questioned the methodology, particularly the reliance on child wasting data from NFHS-5, the report reignited debates on India's progress in achieving nutrition security. This event underscores the ongoing challenge of malnutrition and the need for robust, data-driven policy interventions. Vyyuha's analysis suggests that while methodological debates are valid, the underlying issue of child malnutrition, especially wasting, demands urgent attention and a multi-sectoral approach.

UPSC Angle: Critically analyze India's performance in the Global Hunger Index 2023. Discuss the government's arguments regarding the GHI methodology and present a balanced view. Evaluate the effectiveness of current nutrition schemes (e.g., POSHAN Abhiyaan) in addressing child wasting and stunting, suggesting measures for improvement.