Bitter Pill

That is how Times of India [ May 08,2011 ] describes the state of healthcare in India.

The report quotes Dr.A.K.Shiva Kumar, one of the authors of a Lancet paper on health services in India, as follows :

“ Poor health is the cause of poverty for nearly 39 million people in India. Around 30 % in rural India didn’t go for any treatment due to poor finances in 2004 – up from 15 % in 1995.

  In urban areas, 20 % of ailments were untreated due to monetary issues in 2004 – up from 10 % in 1995 “

I think it is other way around.

Poverty is the cause of poor health.

By Government of India’s own estimate, 32 % of Indians are “ Below Poverty Line ( BPL ) “. These 387 million people spend less than Rs.12 /day ($ 0.25) – presumably on food.

What kind of “ health “ can one enjoy on 2 cups of tea for food  ?

With regards

hemen  parekh