Arun Govil Tells UN How India’s Courts Protect The Right To Health

NEW YORK, NY-BJP MP Arun Govil highlighted India’s judicial efforts to strengthen the right to health, citing the Supreme Court’s interpretation of Article 21 of the Constitution during an interactive dialogue with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York shared details of the engagement stating that the discussion focused on “Justiciability of the right to health to ensure justice and accountability”.

Govil acknowledged that barriers such as cost, language, distance and limited legal awareness can restrict citizens’ access to healthcare. He also raised concerns about corporate power and accountability, while welcoming the report’s emphasis on good practices from around the world.

He said the report’s focus on international best practices resonated with India’s experience, where the Supreme Court has interpreted the constitutional right to life to include the right to health and medical care.

Referring to a 1995 judgment on workers’ health and welfare, Govil said the court had recognized health and medical care as fundamental rights and directed employers to provide health insurance and a safe working environment, ensuring that industrial growth did not come at the expense of workers’ well-being.

He also highlighted judicial interventions aimed at protecting access to emergency medical treatment and improving hospital infrastructure.

“India has overhauled its health care system to ensure accessibility, affordability and equity. We remain committed to ensure that every citizen has access to affordable and quality health care services,” he said. (IANS)