Child health is one area where investments in innovation can result in tremendous social and economic returns.
Among countries with comparable development indicators, India has the potential to address many of its challenges with unique homegrown resources. The information technology sector, for example, has transformed the country’s economy and is currently helping expand access to a wide range of quality services for some of the poorest in India. India’s space and atomic energy programmes are outstanding example of indigenous technical ingenuity.
As economic growth continues to decelerate, the government, which has committed to doubling the country’s R& spending by 2017, may consider deferring or delaying planned expansion of scientific capacity. It is critical that we do not forget the important role of indigenous scientific innovation, in particulars, to improve livelihoods and promote wellbeing. To reiterate Jawaharlal Nehru’s words, “It is science alone that can solve the problems of hunger and poverty, of insanitation and illiteracy.”
Child health is one area where investments in innovation can result in tremendous social and economic returns. India nearly halved child mortality rates between 1990 and 2010. Improved healthcare services and access to simple health interventions, such as oral rehydration therapy to address severe cases of diarrhea, have contributed to this encouraging reduction of child deaths.
However, in 2010, experts estimate that almost 17 lakh children less than five years of age died in India. This is still far too many children. Pneumonia and diarrhea, together, account for a significant proportion of these deaths. There are even more hospitalizations and out patient visits from these two diseases. Because of the tremendous emotional and financial toll that diarrhea takes on Indian families, we need to take these threats to our children seriously.....
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