The healthcare infrastructure is essential for adolescent health, its time to prioritize healthcare centers
New Delhi: India, now the world’s most populous country, holds a unique advantage with over 253 million adolescents. This demographic dividend, a boon for the economy, demands strategic investments. The upcoming Union Budget 2024-25 is a crucial opportunity to prioritize adolescents for sustainable development. With millions entering the workforce annually, nurturing this young population through education, healthcare, and skill development is imperative. In 2023-24, the Health Ministry's allocation saw a 12.6% increase, yet it falls short of the 2.5% GDP target by 2025. Alarming is the 8.6% reduction in family welfare awareness budget, impacting initiatives crucial for the youth. Urgent action is needed to fortify primary healthcare infrastructure, essential for adolescent health. The shortage of healthcare centers reveals a gap in universal healthcare promises. Adolescence is a crucial phase of life marked by rapid physical, emotional, and social changes. As individuals transiti...