Results for: Welfare State

India faces an obstacle to its economic potential: the weakness of its governance system. This shortcoming hinders the effective delivery of essential services to citizens, affecting education, healthcare, and other crucial areas. The author argues that investing in building the capacity of the Indian state is paramount to overcoming this challenge. However, political incentives and a lack of institutional support often undermine such investments. Moreover, India’s attempt to provide comprehensive welfare services despite limited fiscal capacity has led to a ‘vote bank’ politics that prioritizes short-term gains over long-term development. The author emphasizes the need for independent institutions to align politicians’ interests with public welfare, as well as the importance of strategic philanthropy that focuses on improving governance rather than just providing direct relief.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s suggestion to shift responsibility for issuing fit notes from GPs to specialist work and health professionals has sparked controversy. Retired GP Dr. Brian Fisher argues that this move not only implies a harsher regime that forces people back to work unnecessarily but also undermines the comprehensive care provided by GPs. Fisher highlights the role of GPs in balancing illness, personality, and work demands in their fit note decisions, emphasizing that the vast majority of people on fit notes are genuinely unable to work. He also raises concerns about the potential impact of privatizing this process, citing the case of Stephen Carré, who died by suicide after being denied a ‘fit to work’ appeal by private company ATOS. Fisher calls for a focus on properly funding the NHS, transforming social care, and addressing poverty and deprivation as more effective ways to improve health outcomes.