This report is an outcome of a collaborative study conducted by Lokniti-Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) with King’s India Institute, Royal Holloway (University of London) and the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP). To launch the report a Panel Discussion on “Democracy and Health in India: Is Health an Electoral Priority” took place on Wednesday, February 22nd 2023 at the India International Centre.

Following opening remarks from the Director of the CSDS, Professor Awadhendra Sharan, the key aims and results of the report were presented by Sandhya Venkateswaren, Senior Fellow at Centre for Social and Economic Progress, and Professor Oliver Heath, Royal Holloway University of London.

The panel discussion featured eminent spokespersons from different sectors of our country – Reetika Khera, Professor of Economics, IIT Delhi; K Sujatha Rao, Former Union Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GOI; and Abhay Shukla, Senior Programme Coordinator, Support for Advocacy and Training to Health Initiative (SATHI). The discussion was moderated by Professor Louise Tillin, Director, King’s India Institute and Professor of Politics, King’s College London.

The report is based on a face-to-face survey conducted among 1522 citizens across five states – Bihar, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh between March – April 2022. The report answers four broad questions – How much do voters care about health?; How satisfied are voters with the provision of health services in India?; Who do voters credit (or blame) for the provision of health services?; and Does healthcare impact voting decisions?

The event was concluded with the release of the report "Democracy and Health in India: Is Health an Electoral Priority". A full version of the report can be found here: Download Report

Media reports:

Who do voters credit (or blame) for the provision of health services? -Sanjay Kumar, The Hindu

Does contract with a service make people more or less satisfied? - Devesh Kumar & Suhas Palshikar, The Hindu

Does health impact voting decisions - Oliver Heath & Louise Tillin, The Hindu

How satisfied are people with health services? - Sandhya Venkateswaran, The Hindu

Who is responsible for healthcare in India: the government or individual? - Jyoti Mishra & Devesh Kumar, The Hindu

Do voters care about health? - Vibha Attri & Aaliyia Malik, The Hindu