Did you know that 9 out of 10 people in India struggle with understanding basic health information? Imagine how this impacts not just personal well-being, but also our nation’s economy. Health literacy—the ability to understand and act on health information—affects our medical choices, well-being, and productivity. And in a country like ours, where healthcare costs push millions into poverty, improving health literacy is a direct investment in the nation’s future.
Health Literacy: The Foundation of a Healthy Society
Just like we’ve prioritized secondary school education and technical skills for economic growth, we must now focus on health education. If we want to reduce the burden of disease, both on our families and on our healthcare system, it’s time to start thinking about health literacy as essential life knowledge. When individuals are empowered to manage their health better, they are less likely to fall prey to expensive and preventable chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular issues.
Health and GDP: The Connection
It’s simple: healthier citizens mean a healthier economy. When fewer people suffer from chronic illness, the financial burden on households and the country reduces dramatically. There’s less need for expensive treatments, fewer days lost to illness, and more productivity in the workforce. This ripple effect is significant: as personal health improves, so does our GDP.
Let’s think back to how India’s focus on secondary education and technical skills helped create a skilled workforce, propelling us into global markets. Health literacy can play a similar role by ensuring we are not only skilled but also healthy enough to make meaningful contributions to our economy. After all, a productive nation is a prosperous nation.
Take the Health Literacy Test
Let’s pause for a moment to reflect on our own health literacy. Take this simple three-question quiz and see how well you know basic health metrics:
1) What should your blood pressure reading be?
2) What should your blood sugar level be?
3) What should your triglyceride level be?
How many of these can you confidently answer? If you’re unsure, don’t worry—you’re not alone. But this is exactly why we need to educate ourselves and each other. Understanding these key numbers could mean the difference between early prevention and a life-threatening crisis.
Time for Change: A National Priority
Just as we emphasize education and skills training, we need to normalize health education at all levels of society. Imagine if schools taught basic health literacy alongside math and science. Imagine if employers promoted health screenings as much as professional development. When people are equipped with the knowledge to manage their health, we all win.
It’s time to start asking ourselves and each other: do we know enough to keep ourselves and our families healthy? Let’s make health literacy a national priority—for our well-being, and for the prosperity of our country.
Shared By: Dr Ami Shah,
Co-founder of Zandra Healthcare and Rang De Neela Initiative.
