COVID-19 AND HEALTH CARE SERVICES IN RURAL INDIA: CHALLENGES AND CONSEQUENCES

Abstract

Though more than half of the people in India are living in rural areas, it has been less prepared to handle the impact of the COVID-19. The health conditions of rural people are more likely to be infected by virus due to the higher rates of chronic conditions as diverse diets that weaken their immune system and make them more vulnerable to the pandemic. The challenges in accessing rural health services also include having less access to adequate sanitation, health services, education, communication technology, and public infrastructure.  This article depicts the challenges in accessing the health care services in a rural area by filtering the data from authentic sources and argues that to overcome the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the accountable institutions or organizations should make use of this opportunity and should strengthen the facilities in accessing the rural health care services.