Logical Reasoning Questions for CLAT | QB Set 51

Freedom from dependence, a new era in health care

India’s Independence Day, on August 15, is a time for reflection on the nation’s remarkable journey across various sectors. One of the most profound transformations we have witnessed, is in the health-care sector. From a time when Indians had to travel to the western world for advanced medical treatments, to today, where India stands as a global health-care hub, we have come a long way. This evolution not only signifies our medical prowess but also our economic resilience.

Until the 1980s, it was a common practice for affluent Indians to seek advanced medical treatments abroad, especially in western countries. This dependency was not only a drain on our financial resources but also a testament to the gaps in our health-care system. However, the landscape of Indian health care has undergone a seismic shift. Today, India is recognised globally for its world-class medical services, attracting patients from over 147 countries. This transformation is a testament to the relentless efforts of our medical professionals, the strategic vision of our policymakers, and the resilience of our health-care institutions.

Heal in India, a global care hub

The shift from medical tourism to being a preferred medical destination has had significant economic implications. According to recent studies, India saves billions in foreign exchange annually, as fewer Indians travel abroad to seek treatment and more foreigners come to India for treatment in specialties that span the most advanced procedures.

Moreover, the excellence of Indian hospitals and its world-renowned doctors and health-care professionals, along with the government fostering private sector participation, have driven progress in areas such as pharmaceuticals, generic medicines and medical devices. This has further boosted the nation’s economy, generating revenue of over $9 billion annually.

The Prime Minister mentioned the resonant call of “Heal in India” is more than a slogan. It is a vision for positioning India as a global health-care leader.

With a concerted effort, India has made significant strides in medical tourism, though there is still room for growth when compared to our neighbouring countries. Our state-of-the-art hospitals, skilled medical professionals, and cost-effective treatments have made India a preferred destination for medical tourists. Patients from across the globe come to India for a wide range of treatments, from complex cardiac surgeries to advanced oncology.

India’s health-care system has emerged as a beacon of hope and excellence. This is not just about treating ailments; it is about providing holistic care that addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of patients. Our health-care professionals are not merely doctors and nurses; they are healers who embody compassion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Challenges and opportunities

While we celebrate our achievements, we must also acknowledge the challenges that remain. India remains dependent to a significant extent on the import of medical devices and high-value treatments and drugs as we strive for self-reliance. According to data by the Indian Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), India imported medical devices worth over $6.24 billion in 2021-22. However, new initiatives in government policy, such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, are helping to scale domestic manufacture of essential medical devices. This increased capacity will help reduce the affordability and accessibility gap for advanced care.

India’s progress in health care is also a strong call to our young innovators and entrepreneurs to step into the health-care arena and drive further advancements. As we look to the future, it is imperative to inspire Indian youth to consider careers in health care. The health-care sector is not just about medical treatments; it is about service to humanity and nation-building. The purpose of health care is universal, transcending boundaries and touching lives in profound ways. By choosing a career in health care, young Indians can contribute to the nation’s growth and make a meaningful difference in the lives of millions, across the world.

The youth of India hold the keys to our future. Their energy, creativity, and passion are critical in driving the next wave of innovations in health care. By empowering youth leaders in this sector, they can play a pivotal role in transforming our health-care system into one that is not only self-reliant but also a global leader. Health care offers a unique opportunity to blend scientific advancements with compassion to create a lasting impact on society.

Celebrating Independence with a vision

As we celebrate India’s Independence Day, let us take pride in the strides India has made in health care. The transformation from dependence on the West for medical treatments to becoming a global healthcare hub, stands testament to the power of collective ambition, strong governance and individual action, striving for excellence and compassion in strong coherence.

Today, India’s health care is a microcosm of the transformation story of a wider nation. The drive for self-reliance, and excellence, the resilience and pride that define our progress, set a template for other sectors to emulate. But it is just the beginning. Together, we can build a healthcare system that is a source of pride for every Indian and a beacon of hope for the world.

Question -1)

Statement: The passage highlights that India has transformed from a nation dependent on Western countries for medical treatments to a global healthcare hub. It suggests that this evolution is a reflection of India’s medical prowess and economic resilience.

Question: Which of the following, if true, would most weaken the argument that India’s healthcare transformation is solely due to its medical prowess and economic resilience?

A) The Indian government has offered significant tax incentives to attract foreign patients.
B) Many Indian doctors who have contributed to this transformation were trained in Western countries.
C) Several Western countries have seen a decline in healthcare quality, driving patients to seek treatment elsewhere.
D) India has heavily relied on imported medical devices to provide advanced treatments.

Question -2)

Statement: The passage mentions that India saves billions in foreign exchange annually because fewer Indians travel abroad for medical treatments, and that this has positioned India as a cost-effective healthcare destination.

Question: Which of the following assumptions does the author rely on in making the claim about India saving foreign exchange?

A) The quality of medical treatments in India has surpassed that of Western countries.
B) Indians prefer to receive medical treatments within their own country if the quality is comparable.
C) The cost of medical treatments abroad has significantly increased in recent years.
D) The number of Indians seeking medical treatment abroad has always been high.

Question -3)

Statement: The passage discusses the challenges India faces in the healthcare sector, including the significant import of medical devices.

Question: Which of the following would best address the concern regarding the import of medical devices as mentioned in the passage?

A) Increasing the import of high-quality medical devices from more developed countries.
B) Encouraging international companies to set up manufacturing units in India.
C) Lowering tariffs on imported medical devices to make them more affordable.
D) Training more Indian healthcare professionals to use complex imported devices.

Question -4)

Statement: The author emphasizes the need for the youth of India to engage in the healthcare sector to drive innovation and make a meaningful difference.

Question: Which of the following is an implicit assumption behind the author’s emphasis on youth engagement in the healthcare sector?

A) The current workforce in the healthcare sector is insufficient to meet future demands.
B) Innovations in healthcare are primarily driven by young professionals.
C) The youth of India are uninterested in non-medical professions.
D) The healthcare sector is more lucrative than other sectors in India.

Question -5)

Statement: The passage suggests that India’s healthcare transformation is a microcosm of the nation’s broader path to self-reliance and excellence.

Question: Which of the following best illustrates the relationship between India’s healthcare transformation and the broader path to self-reliance and excellence?

A) India’s economic policies have directly influenced the quality of healthcare available in the country.
B) The success in healthcare has motivated other sectors to aim for similar achievements.
C) India’s self-reliance in healthcare has led to a reduction in foreign dependency in other sectors as well.
D) The healthcare sector is the only area where India has achieved significant self-reliance.

Question -6)

Statement: The passage states that the Indian healthcare system is not just about treating ailments but providing holistic care, which includes addressing physical, emotional, and psychological needs.

Question: If the Indian healthcare system fails to provide holistic care, which of the following outcomes is most likely to occur?

A) An increase in the number of patients seeking treatment in other countries.
B) A decrease in the cost-effectiveness of Indian healthcare services.
C) A decline in the overall satisfaction and recovery rates among patients.
D) A reduction in the number of international patients visiting India for medical treatment.