Explain the role of affordable healthcare facilities in promoting human capital in a country.

Question

Accepted Answer

Affordable healthcare facilities play a crucial role in promoting human capital:

1. Access to Healthcare: Affordable services ensure that all sections of society can access healthcare
2. Preventive Care: Regular check-ups and vaccinations prevent diseases
3. Maternal and Child Health: Affordable services improve maternal and child health outcomes
4. Productivity: Healthy workers are more productive and contribute more to the economy
5. Reduced Financial Burden: Affordable healthcare reduces out-of-pocket expenses

Examples:
- Ayushman Bharat Scheme provides health insurance to vulnerable groups
- Primary Health Centers in rural areas provide basic healthcare
- Generic medicines reduce the cost of treatment

Affordable healthcare is essential for human capital formation as it ensures that health status does not become a barrier to economic participation and development.