The Right to Health

Abstract

The right to health has been variously influenced by a web of laws and structures. Health is legislated primarily by the states, causing variances in laws and implementation systems across states. The Parliament has also legislated on health in some instances, thereby creating national laws on certain issues, such as the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, the Transplantation of Human Organs Act and so on. Policy planning also articulates priorities in the context of health, for example through the National Rural Health Mission, and proposals on universal health coverage. Illustrating certain national and state legislations and key Supreme Court rulings, this chapter reveals the complexity that confronts effective health planning in India and offers insights that are required to achieve positive health outcomes for society.