The Hindu Editorial Analysis
19 September 2025
India needs more focus to reach SDG 3, a crucial goal
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)
Topic : GS Paper II – Governance | GS Paper III – Economy | GS Paper IV – Ethics
Context
In June 2025, India ranked 99 out of 167 countries in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index — its best-ever performance. This improvement reflects policy progress in access to services and infrastructure. Yet, India continues to face critical challenges in health and nutrition, especially in rural and tribal areas. The editorial emphasizes the urgency of achieving SDG 3: “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.”
Key Issues and Arguments
1. Current Status of Health Indicators
- Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR): 97 per 100,000 live births (target 70).
- Under-5 mortality rate: 32 per 1,000 live births (target 25).
- Life expectancy: 70 years (below the target of 73.63 years).
- Out-of-pocket health expenditure: Nearly double the targeted 7.83% of total consumption.
- Immunisation coverage: 93.23% (still below universal 100%).
These indicators highlight the gaps in India’s health progress despite improvements.
2. Structural Challenges
- Poor health infrastructure and economic inequality limit access to services.
- Social determinants such as nutrition, sanitation, and cultural stigma exacerbate gaps.
- Mental health remains under-addressed due to taboos and lack of trained professionals.
3. Pathways for Progress
a) Universal Health Coverage (UHC):
- Public health insurance can reduce catastrophic expenditure.
- Evidence from World Bank studies shows stronger insurance systems ensure equity.
b) Strengthening Primary Healthcare:
- Expanding high-quality centres across rural and urban India is crucial.
- Preventive health can reduce hospitalization costs and improve long-term outcomes.
c) Harnessing Digital Health:
- Telemedicine and integrated digital health records bridge rural-urban access gaps.
- Examples from the Lancet Digital Health Commission show how platforms enhance vaccination and mental health tracking.
d) School-based Health Education:
- Compulsory curriculum on nutrition, hygiene, reproductive health, and mental health.
- Examples: Finland and Japan’s school health reforms significantly reduced mortality and improved life expectancy.
Policy Gaps Identified
| Area | Gap |
|---|---|
| Maternal & Child Health | MMR and under-5 mortality above SDG target |
| Health Financing | High out-of-pocket expenditure burden |
| Preventive Health | Weak focus on awareness, nutrition, hygiene |
| Digital Health | Limited integration in rural and tribal regions |
| Mental Health | Persistent stigma, lack of systemic support |
Suggestions for the Way Forward
- Embed health education in school curricula.
- Expand primary care infrastructure and integrate it with digital health.
- Promote UHC to minimize catastrophic health expenditure.
- Focus on rural & tribal populations with targeted interventions.
- Adopt best practices from countries like Finland (school health) and Japan (nutrition-based reforms).
Conclusion
India’s SDG ranking improvement is encouraging but achieving SDG 3 by 2030 requires urgent, targeted action. With only 17% of global SDG targets currently on track, India must prioritize health reforms. Embedding universal health coverage, promoting preventive healthcare, and scaling health education can make India’s development trajectory inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.