Right to Health Vis-a-Vis Health Care

Abstract

Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which also guarantees the right to life, safeguards the right to health and
health treatment as a human right. Food is a must. For optimal health, regular maintenance of life, survival, and
well-being, all living things, including humans, need the right combination of nutrients: the type, quality, and
quantity of food consumed influence the nutrients in the food. For our population, the Indian Council of Medical
Research (RDA) advises the quantity of nutrients required depending on age, gender, physiological condition,
and physical activity levels. The Constitution has given the Centre ample space to maneuver since a large
number of items are listed in the concurrent list. State governments are mainly responsible for health-care
services, although the Constitution allows the Centre certain flexibility. The Centre has been able to increase its
clout in the healthcare industry.
Consequently, the federal government now has a far more significant role in health care than the Constitution
allows. The federal government has given the basis for health policy and planning. Because health is one of the
basic fundamental rights, it requires further protection via law. Our Constitution also requires the State to
guarantee the health and nutritional well-being of all citizens. Before independence, the healthcare sector was in
poor shape, with a high incidence of disease-related death. However, since independence, the healthcare sector
has received the most attention. This has been made possible by the passage of several laws. In this article, the
researcher discusses how various Indian laws safeguard the right to health and health treatment.