IAS/UPSC Coaching Institute  

19 Sep 2025 : India needs more focus to reach SDG 3, a crucial goal

 Editorial 2: India needs more focus to reach SDG 3, a crucial goal

Context

Mandatory health education in schools is a crucial step toward bridging the gap.

 

Introduction

In June 2025, India achieved its best-ever ranking in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index, securing the 99th position among 167 countries in the latest SDG Report. This marks a notable rise from its 109th rank in 2024, continuing the steady progress observed since 2021. The country has made gains in areas such as basic services and infrastructure, but the report also highlighted persistent challenges, especially in health and nutrition, with disparities more pronounced in rural and tribal regions.

 

Importance of SDG 3

  • Critical Goal: SDG 3 seeks to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages”.
  • Challenging Target: It remains one of the most crucial yet demanding goals in India’s SDG journey.
  • Commitment: India has pledged to achieve specific health targets by 2030.

 

Current Status and Gaps

  • Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR): 97 deaths per 100,000 live births (target: 70).
  • Under-five Mortality Rate: 32 deaths per 1,000 live births (target: 25; developed nations: 2–6).
  • Life Expectancy: 70 years (short of target: 73.63).
  • Out-of-pocket Expenditure: 13% of household consumption (target: 7.83%).
  • Immunisation Coverage: 93.23% (yet to reach 100%).

 

Causes of Lag

  • Infrastructure & Economy: Limited access to quality healthcare due to poor facilities and financial barriers.
  • Nutrition & Hygiene: Malnutrition, poor sanitation, and unhealthy lifestyles hinder progress.
  • Cultural & Social Barriers: Stigma around health (especially mental health) and low awareness prevent communities from availing services.

 

Three-Pronged Strategy

  1. Universal Health Insurance
    • Reduces catastrophic expenditure.
    • Ensures equity in access (evidence: World Bank studies).
  2. Strengthening Primary Health Care
    • Establish high-quality centres nationwide.
    • Coordinate primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
    • Benefits: Early disease detection, reduced hospitalisation costs, better long-term outcomes (WHO 2022).
  3. Harnessing Digital Health Tools
    • Use telemedicine and digital health records to bridge rural-urban gaps.
    • Improve maternal health and vaccination tracking (evidence: Lancet Digital Health Commission).

 

Prevention through School Health Education

  • Cost-effectiveness: Preventing diseases is far more economical than treating them.
  • Health Education for Children: Schools should impart knowledge on:
    • Nutrition
    • Hygiene and sanitation
    • Reproductive health
    • Road safety
    • Mental health
  • Behavioural Change: Focus must be on improving health behaviour at a young age, not just knowledge.
  • Long-term Benefits:
    • Health habits developed early sustain into adulthood.
    • Educated girls, as future mothers, promote healthier families.
    • Reduces MMR, under-five mortality, and road accident deaths.
    • Increases life expectancy and immunisation coverage.
  • Global Evidence:
    • Finland (1970s): School reforms integrating health topics led to reduced cardiovascular diseases.
    • Japan: Compulsory health education improved hygiene and life expectancy.
  • India’s Potential: A structured, progressive health curriculum can replicate these global successes.

 

Closing the SDG 3 Gap: Collective Action Needed

  • Role of Policymakers:
    • Integrate health education into school curricula.
    • Invest in universal health coverage and primary health care systems.
  • Role of Parents:
    • Review school curricula to check inclusion of physical, mental, and social health topics.
    • Advocate for missing elements by engaging with the Department of Education.
  • Global Context:
    • India’s improved SDG ranking is encouraging.
    • Yet, only 17% of global SDG targets are currently on track for 2030.
  • Path Forward:
    • Empower youth with healthy behaviours through education.
    • Strengthen healthcare systems for sustainable outcomes.
    • Look beyond 2030 toward Viksit Bharat 2047, with health education as a cornerstone of progress.

 

Conclusion

India’s progress on SDG 3 demands sustained focus on prevention, quality healthcare, and inclusive policies. Embedding health education in schools, expanding universal coverage, and strengthening primary care can transform outcomes. Policymakers, parents, and communities must act together. With education-driven behavioural change and resilient health systems, India can move steadily toward SDG 2030 and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.