Medical Care Should Be Accessible, Affordable

Health as defined by World Health Organization (WHO) is a "State of complete physical, mental, and social well - being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Health is a resource that enables individuals to live satisfying lives by using their physical, social, psychological and spiritual ability to adapt or cope with the environment. It should be noted that the concept of health cannot be understood in isolation or in parts. It needs to be viewed as a holistic idea. Our mind, body and soul are all interlinked with each other. Therefore, it is important that we focus on all these aspects of health. Holistic Health is an approach to life where the goal is to achieve maximum well-being, where everything is functioning at its optimal level.

Whenever we talk of health and / or healthcare facilities in India, we find that its accessibility and affordability has always been badly compromised and/or overlooked.  The problem would typically start at the ground level itself from finding competent, qualified and trusted professionals to thinking about how one would afford the treatment cost?

Inadequate number of health facilities, a lack of high quality advanced care that is readily accessible to people from every socio economic strata, insufficient financial aid, all add to the despair of people in the rural and urban India. The fancy hospitals where one finds the state of the art, cutting edge technology and medical treatment facilities are only available to those who can afford the humungous series of bills and are willing to pay through their nose.  This leaves the rest of the population feeling frustrated, helpless and hopeless.

To solve this situation, what every country possibly requires is Universal Quality Healthcare where the citizens can avail medical care that is readily accessible, affordable and of good quality. This needs to be designed with the end goal of ensuring that all people obtain the certain essential health services without suffering financial hardship when paying for them. A successful implementation of this plan could bring a sea change difference in the quality of health and well - being. This would need detailed planning on the part of the Government to assess what kind of health services to include and how to fund these benefits but until this long, tedious task takes a more definitive shape and form, there are several small steps that we can take at a personal level to keep ourselves healthy.

Good health starts from eating healthy and the importance of eating balanced, nutritious meals can never be missed. Our diet needs to have the right amount of a carbohydrates, proteins, fat, vitamins and minerals to keep us fueled with strength and energy.

Daily exercise for about 30 - 40 minutes, at least 5 times a week goes a long way to keep us physically fit. Research has shown that any physical exercise such as jogging, running, brisk walk, aerobics, dance helps in the release of endorphins - a chemical that induces a happy / positive feeling inside. Studies have revealed a clear relationship between physical exercise and its effect in reducing depression, uplifting mood and improving ones self - esteem.

Creating a social support system of close friends and family, and spending time with them greatly enhances the feeling of togetherness.  Going out for a meal, holidays, watching movies, plays or just spending some quality time with your loved ones, helps in distressing the mind and keeps us emotionally rejuvenated.

Spiritual wellness has also shown to play a role in contributing to one's health. Engaging in regular spiritual practices like meditation, chanting or praying often tends to reduce stress by calming the body and the mind. For many, it instills emotional stability by adding a deeper meaning to their existence and making life a fulfilling experience.

The journey of life is long and at times, it can be tumultuous but if all of us take personal responsibility to invest in our health and make this investment a way of life, living would become the most joyous experience ever!