India’s Life Expectancy Soars: A Journey from 32 to 72 Years

India has witnessed a remarkable increase in life expectancy over the last 75 years. In 1947, the average life expectancy at birth was only **32 years**. By **2022**, this figure had risen significantly to **70.19 years**, and it currently stands at **72 years**, approaching the global average of **73.4 years**. Life expectancy serves as a crucial indicator of a population’s health, reflecting both mortality rates and the overall impact of health conditions on longevity.

The journey of health care in India has been one of gradual progress, particularly in the last few decades. Initially, the first **50 years** post-independence saw slow advancement. However, a series of policies aimed at improving access to health care, coupled with the introduction of cutting-edge technology, spurred significant improvements. The emergence of a parallel private health sector further contributed to this transformation, albeit with its own set of challenges.

In the early years following independence, the health indices painted a grim picture. According to studies by **Sanjay P. Zodpey** and **Preeti H. Negandhi**, the **1951 Census** reported a population of **361 million** in India, with an infant mortality rate (IMR) of **145.6 per 1,000 live births** and a maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of **2,000 per 100,000 live births**. At that time, there were only **50,000 doctors** and a mere **725 primary health-care centers** across the country.

Infectious diseases posed a significant threat to public health, with high rates of malaria, tuberculosis, smallpox, and cholera contributing to widespread mortality. The focus was primarily on combating these communicable diseases, necessitating substantial improvements in health services. The groundwork for future advancements was laid during this period, although policies evolved over the years as circumstances changed.

Foundational Changes in Health Care

One of the pivotal moments in Indian health care was the **Bhore Committee report** of **1946**, which advocated for a state-led health care model emphasizing universal access and preventive care. This resulted in the establishment of **Primary Health Centres (PHCs)** and sub-centres, which have continued to expand access to health services over the decades.

The national response to infectious diseases included several key initiatives, such as the **National Malaria Control Programme** launched in **1953**, followed by the **National Tuberculosis Programme** and the **Expanded Programme on Immunisation**. These efforts culminated in two landmark achievements: the eradication of smallpox in **1980** and the elimination of polio in **2014**, as certified by the **World Health Organization**. These campaigns relied heavily on public outreach, with both state and non-state actors playing vital roles in immunisation and awareness efforts.

Improvements in maternal and infant mortality rates have also been noteworthy. Kerala emerged as a leader in health indicators, while Tamil Nadu followed suit, with some states in the Northeast achieving impressive single-digit infant mortality rates. Overall, infant mortality decreased from approximately **161 per 1,000 live births in 1947** to around **26 per 1,000** in recent years, while maternal mortality dropped from over **2,000 per 100,000 live births** to about **103 by 2024**.

Despite this progress, significant regional disparities persist in both IMR and MMR, underscoring the need for continued efforts to address health inequities across the country.

The Impact of Economic Reforms and New Initiatives

The introduction of the **New Economic Policy** in the **1990s** marked a transformative period for health care in India, pivoting towards liberalisation, privatisation, and globalisation. This shift allowed the private sector to play a crucial role in service delivery, enhancing accessibility and quality. While this development positioned India as a destination for affordable medical tourism, it also led to increased out-of-pocket expenses, limiting access for those unable to afford services.

The pharmaceutical industry flourished during this time, helping India become one of the largest suppliers of generics globally. The growth of medical colleges further bolstered the number of trained health professionals, although a significant urban-rural divide remains, with urban areas generally faring better in health outcomes.

In **2005**, the launch of the **National Rural Health Mission** aimed to bolster health care delivery in rural regions. A key initiative was the establishment of **Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA)**, female health workers who engage directly with communities to promote health awareness and services. The **National Health Mission** later expanded its focus to urban areas, addressing the evolving health landscape.

Today, India faces a dual challenge: managing the burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular issues, while still confronting infectious diseases. The government has initiated national programmes to tackle these issues, although threats from diseases like tuberculosis persist.

Investments in health care research are increasingly addressing these challenges. Research into new treatments, vaccine development, and rare diseases is underway, aiming to ensure that advanced therapeutics are accessible to all segments of the population.

As India stands on the brink of a demographic transition, the nation is poised to benefit from a youthful population. However, it must also prepare for the health needs of an ageing populace. The path forward is complex, and while there are no simple solutions, India has learned that ensuring equitable health care access for all is essential for sustainable progress.