Originally Published in Madras Courier
Editorial Note
What is the Modi government spending the taxpayers money on: health care, education and human development or statues?
India, notwithstanding the impressive economic growth achieved since its Independence in 1947, is still plagued by first-generation problems. Millions of people do not have access to primary healthcare and sanitation; they live in appalling unhygienic environments. India spends an abysmally low 1.2 -1.8 per cent of GDP on healthcare for 1.25 billion Indians. This outlay is substantially lower than other emerging markets, OECD and other developed economies.