TITLE:
The Concept of Statecraft and Health in the Indian Context: An Investigation on Its Relationship with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Health and Well-Being
AUTHORS:
Shailendra Kumar Mishra
KEYWORDS:
Health, Sustainable Development Goal, Alternative Medicine, India
JOURNAL NAME:
Health,
Vol.18 No.9,
September
23,
2026
ABSTRACT: India is an ancient civilization and an inclusive democracy where, alongside other forms of diversity, a natural diversity exists within medical systems and services. In recent years, the agenda of achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) has deeply impacted government policies and programmes of countries including India. Placing society at the centre, this article analyses the evolution of India’s political system and its impact on healthcare services. It also aims to analyse how health care policies and programmes of India are being modified to achieve the ambitious goal of providing health care for all in India. Amidst various state-driven conflicts, indigenous folk medical practices have remained alive and vibrant alongside classical medical systems throughout history. Changes in the governance structure have directly influenced the healthcare system. Currently, efforts are underway to adopt and integrate ancient practices with contemporary needs and to develop an inclusive healthcare system to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of health and well-being for all.