To What Extent the Notion of Access to Medicine is Available under the Notion of Access to Health with Special Reference to India

Health is essential for the survival of human beings in the world. There is a saying “health is wealth”, which very well shows that health is the most vital asset of living beings than any other asset. When saying about health it implies good and adequate health free from diseases. Not only free from diseases but the highest standard of health with dignity. So in order to fulfill this, the public needs to get proper medical care especially medicines for curing diseases. When speaking about public it includes everyone, irrespective of caste, gender, age, rich or poor. So the medicines should be made available to everyone equally. But is it happening in practical. Millions of people around the world still do not have access to even essential medicines that are affordable and of good quality. According to the intuitive estimate of the World Health Organization (WHO) at least one-third of the world’s population have no regular access to medicines . Access to medicines also includes access to treatment. It is said that access to essential medicines is part of the human right to health . There are many important entities which plays crucial role to ensure that this right is enjoyed by all. Government i.e. the State is at the top most as far as the responsibility is concerned. Laws have to be efficient and effective. Judiciary also plays a crucial role. Medical fraternity should be very much responsible and take up this profession as service rather than business oriented or with profit motive.