India’s Progress on SDG 3: Achievements and Challenges

India's journey towards achieving SDG 3 is marked by both significant achievements and persistent challenges. While maternal and child health indicators show improvement, the nation still faces hurdles in life expectancy, healthcare access, and the burden of diseases. This is crucial for UPSC aspirants, especially for GS Paper 2 and 3. Last Updated: 2025-09-26

Key Facts About SDG 3

• Maternal Health: MMR at 97 deaths per 100,000 live births, below the target of 70.
• Child Mortality: Under-five mortality rate at 32 per 1,000 live births, against a target of 25.
• Life Expectancy: Average life expectancy at 70 years, below the target of 73.63.
• Financial Burden: Out-of-pocket expenditure at 13% of total consumption, nearly double the target.
• Immunization: Coverage at 93.23%, short of the universal target of 100%.
• Access Issues: Poor infrastructure and economic barriers hinder healthcare access.
• Double Burden of Disease: Ongoing communicable diseases and rising non-communicable diseases.

India's Health Landscape: Achievements and Challenges

India's progress on SDG 3 is pivotal to its broader economic and social goals. Improved health indicators contribute to a more productive workforce, enhancing economic growth. However, India's average life expectancy and healthcare access lag behind global standards, impacting its international rankings. Addressing these issues is vital for achieving sustainable development and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

Related Government Schemes/Policies

• Ayushman Bharat: Provides health insurance to economically vulnerable Indians.
• National Health Mission: Focuses on health system strengthening in rural and urban areas.
• Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan: Ensures comprehensive antenatal care.

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper 2: Health, Education, Human Resources
• GS Paper 3: Economic Development, Environmental Issues
• Prelims Angle: Questions on health indicators, government schemes, and targets.
• Mains Angle: Analytical themes on healthcare access, disease burden, and policy effectiveness.

FAQ Section

• What is SDG 3? SDG 3 aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, with targets like reducing maternal mortality and ending epidemics.
• Why is SDG 3 important for India? Achieving SDG 3 is crucial for improving India's health outcomes, reducing economic burdens, and enhancing the quality of life, aligning with national development goals.
• What are the key features of India's progress on SDG 3? Key features include a maternal mortality rate of 97 per 100,000 live births and an under-five mortality rate of 32 per 1,000 live births, indicating areas of both progress and challenge.