Class 7 Civics – Chapter 2
ROLE OF THE GOVERNMENT IN HEALTH

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Introduction

Health is an important part of our life. A healthy person can study, work and live happily. The government has a major role in providing healthcare facilities to all citizens.

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📌 What is Health?

• Health means a state of physical, mental and social well-being.
• It does not mean only absence of disease.
• Good health depends on clean surroundings, safe drinking water and proper nutrition.

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📌 Public and Private Healthcare Services

Public Healthcare:

• Run by the government.
• Low cost or free treatment.
• Examples: Government hospitals, Primary Health Centres (PHCs).

Private Healthcare:

• Run by individuals or companies.
• High cost treatment.
• Examples: Private hospitals, clinics.

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📌 Problems of Private Healthcare

• Expensive treatment.
• Poor people cannot afford it.
• Focus on profit rather than service.

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📌 Role of the Government in Health

• Providing free or low-cost healthcare.
• Opening government hospitals and PHCs.
• Providing vaccination and health programs.
• Ensuring clean water and sanitation.

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📌 Health Care and Equality

Healthcare should be available to everyone equally. Poor people often suffer more due to lack of money. The government tries to reduce this inequality through public healthcare.

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📌 Kerala and Costa Rica – Examples

• Kerala has good public health facilities.
• Costa Rica provides free healthcare to citizens.
• Both show importance of government role in health.

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🧠 Mind Map (Text Format)

Health → Public Healthcare → Government Hospitals → Low Cost → Equality → Healthy Society

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🔑 Mnemonics (Easy Memory Tricks)

• HEALTH = Hygiene, Equality, Access, Low-cost care, Treatment
• PP = Public = People friendly
• PHC = Primary Health Care

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🎯 Exam Tip:
Always compare Public vs Private healthcare in answers to score more marks.

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