ISSN (Print) - 0012-9976 | ISSN (Online) - 2349-8846

Articles by Rajib DasguptaSubscribe to Rajib Dasgupta

Beyond Biomedical and Statistical Approaches in COVID-19

The evolving COVID-19 pandemic requires that data and operational responses be examined from a public health perspective. While there exist deep contestations about the epidemic control strategies to be adopted, past experience seems to be corroborated in the present epidemic that a contextually rooted “shoe-leather public health” approach provides the most effective interventions and operational strategies, more so in a society as diverse as ours. Drawing from this, an analysis of the COVID-19 situation in India is put forth, and debates on mitigation strategies, optimisation of testing, and the essential steps for a comprehensive set of interventions in order to minimise human suffering are addressed.

Immunisation Coverage in India

This article examines the decline in coverage levels of the Routine Immunisation Programme in the better-governed states across three rounds of the District Level Household and Facility Survey. The analysis points to an urban conundrum where proximity to urban centres is a "risk factor." An understanding of peri-urbanisation processes is essential for improving outcomes and governance in urban health services and the National Urban Health Mission.

Draft National Health Policy 2015

This paper contributes to the debate on the Draft National Health Policy 2015 by analysing and critiquing some of its key recommendations within the prevailing social, economic, and political context of the country. This policy seems to suggest that strategic purchasing of curative health services from both the public and private sectors can enable India to achieve the goal of "universal healthcare." The draft policy is based on two assumptions. One, policy interventions since the National Health Policy 2002 have been largely successful and two, there is harmony of purpose between public and private healthcare delivery systems which allows the private sector to be used for achieving public health goals. This article argues that these assumptions are flawed, highlights the various contradictions in the policy and cautions against over-optimism on publicly-financed health insurance schemes.

Managing Childhood Under-Nutrition

This study provides insights to some of the key functions of the Integrated Child Development Scheme and health services in the management of childhood under-nutrition in six key empowered action group states. It explores the underlying process and determinants of under-nutrition and the manner in which these two key services are playing out their role and scope in contributing to the management. Despite the recent emphases on management of under-nutrition, the health services are yet to respond to the enormous challenges in a signifi cant manner.

The Missing Mission in Health

The National Urban Health Mission was supposed to address the unmet health needs of urban Indians. Yet, it has failed to commence work even 18 months after the announcement of its formation. A rapidly urbanising India has been marked by a series of epidemics of communicable diseases in the last two decades and increasing informalisation of the economy. Urban health systems, therefore, need serious and quick reforms.

Eradicating Polio: Making a Short Story Long

A discussion of India's polio eradication programme, what has worked, what has not and what now needs to be and can be done.

Full Meal or Package Deal?

With lobbying going on to replace cooked meals in the mid-day meal programme with processed foods like biscuits, this article reports on a consultation earlier this year that saw academicians, medical professionals, and nutrition and public health experts discuss the impact of providing dry rations versus cooked foods.

Polio Eradication: Some Concerns

factor for paralysis in poliomyelitis; it has been mentioned in one of the earlier WHO Polio Eradication:
reports also (WHO 1997). We would like to know why this important risk factor has not been included in the IEC material and Some Concerns C SATHYAMALA, RITU PRIYA, RAJIB DASGUPTA, ONKAR MITTAL This is in response to the article,

CMP on Health

Some tough moves towards 'an Indian model of reforms' in the health services are necessary if the dream to become 'world class' is to be achieved. Increasing funding for the current programmes alone will not improve health if the structure, content and functioning of the public services are not revamped. We need to set priorities ensuring that issues of quality are not undermined.

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