Democracy, Civil Society, and Health in India

India's health failures remain visible and pronounced despite high rates of economic growth since the 1980s and more than six decades of democratic rule. The authors address the key issues that emerge from the country's health situation, speculating on what it will take for low-income groups to begin claiming for better social services A long period of democratic rule is associated with steady improvements in a nation's health. India, however, appears to be an exception in this regard. Its health failures remain visible and pronounced despite high rates of economic growth since the 1980s and more than six decades of democratic rule. One of the main reasons for India's disappointing health performance is the poor provision of public services, including water supply, health services, garbage removal, and others, whose deficits have adverse consequences on health. Based on field research in two low-income communities in New Delhi, the authors inquire why low-income groups do not use their political freedom to make sustained claims on the state for improving those social services that affect their health and/or are a drain on their incomes. The book also speculates on what it will take for low-income groups to begin to demand better provision of health and related social services Front Matter....Pages i-xii Introduction: India’s Health Puzzle....Pages 1-13 Democracy, Civil Society, and Claims-Making in India....Pages 14-40 Why Are India’s Poor Not Making Claims for Health?....Pages 41-64 What Will It Take for the Poor to Demand Health Services?....Pages 65-90 Conclusion: Democracy, Civil Society, and Claims-Making for Public Services....Pages 91-98 Back Matter....Pages 99-133