*F. Maria Jenifer Thaya and *S.M. Rojapoo

Department of History, St. Mary’s College (Autonomous), Thoothukudi Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Abishekapatti, Tirunelveli – 627012 (India)

ABSTRACT

Numerous infectious diseases, many of which are still common in third-world nations, have a history that dates back to the colonial era and the avoidance of such diseases. It demonstrates the evolution of monitoring systems and the imperial government’s response to epidemics. It describes how British India’s efforts to enhance its residents’ health were affected by the construction of health systems throughout the colonial era. With a special emphasis on health, this paper outlines the public health system in the nation and charts the development of the main health initiatives and programs. India’s health profile at the end of the 20th century seems to be improving. The nation’s observed epidemiological and demographic change can be largely attributed to remarkable advancements in people’s socioeconomic, nutritional, and health status, as well as the effective eradication, elimination, and control of key killer diseases. Whether it is via state-run health services or health insurance, universal coverage of the people through some form of health plan is firmly ingrained in history. No industrialised nation, whether communist or capitalist, has not provided a minimal level of healthcare for its citizens by using one of the methods above alone or in combination. Socialist nations guarantee citizens’ basic rights to health care and other “social services” by the state. Health care is a key component of social security, which has developed in capitalist nations under the idea of a welfare state. However, underdeveloped nations like India have not yet seen the emergence of such guaranteed universal coverage of health care in a satisfactory manner.

Key words : health programs, epidemiological transition, vital statistics, epidemics, prevention of diseases.

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