How public health boosts an economy

Context: A stronger health system in a country can lead to better outcomes on the economic growth front. 

Proposals to prevent and respond to future pandemics in the recently announced ?20-lakh-crore package

• Strengthening of health and wellness centres, establishment of infectious diseases hospital blocks in all districts.
• Expansion of the laboratory network and ‘One Health’ research on zoonotic diseases under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Need for equitable systems:

• Missing the essential demands on health system: Due to selective investment in some components of infectious disease control (like laboratory network, ‘One Health’ research oil zoonotic diseases etc.)  
• Health system capable to withstand emergencies: The 15th Finance Commission is reportedly examining ways to increase public financing in health.

Healthcare not a ‘cost disease’:

• Health systems are mostly seen as unavoidable expenditures as healthcare cost rise inexorably and is less rewarding than industries.
• Bi-directional relationship: between population health and national economic growth can be seen in the paradigm of Sustainable Development Goals.
• WHO Commission on Macroeconomics and Health (2001): concluded that investments in health will yield rich returns of economic growth.
• Lessons from History: East Asian economies, UK, Japan started public health delivery at the early age and thus are reaping benefits now.
• UN High Level Commission report, 2016: investments in health workforce yields economic growth through improved population health and productivity, reduced healthcare costs and job creation
• If invested wisely: both population-based public health and individual-centered healthcare can yield rich returns for economic development.

Way Forward:

• India stands to gain from investing in health especially health beyond illness care. Complete immunization and checking malnutrition being parts of it.
• Export opportunities: When domestic needs are met, expanded workforce can meet global health needs. Pharmaceuticals, health technologies can be created at scale.