With reference to the public health facilities during the colonial period, consider the following statements: 1. They were available to the majority of the population. 2. Water and air-borne diseases were rampant. 3. The overall mortality rate was very high. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 and 3 only. Explanation During the British colonial administration in India, the social infrastructure, particularly the health sector, was in a deplorable state. The development of public health facilities was minimal and failed to address the needs of the general populace. - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Public health facilities were not available to the majority of the population. The limited infrastructure that existed was largely concentrated in urban areas or designed to serve the colonial administration and military, leaving the vast rural population with inadequate access to healthcare. - Statement 2 is Correct: Due to the lack of proper sanitation, clean drinking water, and preventive healthcare measures, water and air-borne diseases were rampant. Epidemics such as cholera, plague, smallpox, and malaria were frequent and took a massive toll on human life. - Statement 3 is Correct: The overall mortality rate was extremely high during the colonial period. The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) was alarming, recorded at approximately 218 per thousand live births, and the average life expectancy was very low, estimated at around 32 to 44 years. Key Takeaway: The colonial health sector was characterized by severe inadequacy, inaccessibility for the masses, and poor health indicators, resulting in high mortality rates and the widespread prevalence of communicable diseases.

With reference to the public health… - NCERT Class 11 Economics MCQ

NCERT Class 11 Economics — Chapter 1: Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence

mcqeasy

With reference to the public health facilities during the colonial period, consider the following statements:

They were available to the majority of the population.
Water and air-borne diseases were rampant.
The overall mortality rate was very high.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Indian Economic Development · Page 10

Options

A2 only
B1, 2 and 3
C1 and 2 only
D2 and 3 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

During the British colonial administration in India, the social infrastructure, particularly the health sector, was in a deplorable state. The development of public health facilities was minimal and failed to address the needs of the general populace.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Public health facilities were not available to the majority of the population. The limited infrastructure that existed was largely concentrated in urban areas or designed to serve the colonial administration and military, leaving the vast rural population with inadequate access to healthcare.
Statement 2 is Correct: Due to the lack of proper sanitation, clean drinking water, and preventive healthcare measures, water and air-borne diseases were rampant. Epidemics such as cholera, plague, smallpox, and malaria were frequent and took a massive toll on human life.
Statement 3 is Correct: The overall mortality rate was extremely high during the colonial period. The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) was alarming, recorded at approximately 218 per thousand live births, and the average life expectancy was very low, estimated at around 32 to 44 years.

Key Takeaway: The colonial health sector was characterized by severe inadequacy, inaccessibility for the masses, and poor health indicators, resulting in high mortality rates and the widespread prevalence of communicable diseases.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence

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