Right to Health in India

In India, the right to health has been acknowledged as an essential component of the right to life under Article 21, despite not being specifically stated in the Constitution. According to judicial interpretations, its purview has been broadened to encompass access to a healthy environment, clean drinking water, basic healthcare, and sanitation. In particular, Public Interest Litigations (PILs) have been essential in the Indian judiciary's efforts to enforce health rights and hold the state accountable. Issues including poor infrastructure, a lack of workers, and unequal access still prevent all citizens from realizing this right, even in the face of progressive court decisions and legislative frameworks like the National Health Policy. Ensuring comprehensive healthcare delivery, bolstering legal frameworks, and increasing financial resources are still crucial to bringing the right to health to fruition in India. Keywords: Right to Health, Article 21, Indian Constitution, Public Interest Litigation, Healthcare Access, Judicial Interpretation, National Health Policy, Fundamental Rights, Public Health, Human Rights.