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World Population Day and The Importance of Family Planning

Team AckoJun 20, 2024

The 2019 United Nations report predicts India will surpass China as the most populous country within eight years. With a projected global population of 9.7 billion by 2050 and an increase in life expectancy from 72.6 to 77.1 years, concerns about resource scarcity intensify. Medical advancements contribute to longer lifespans, exacerbating the strain on finite Earth resources. Overpopulation poses a critical threat to humanity's future as demand outpaces availability.

Family planning emerges as a crucial strategy to mitigate this crisis, allowing individuals to make informed choices about reproduction. By promoting responsible family planning practices, societies can manage population growth, alleviate pressure on resources, and foster sustainable development. Emphasising education, access to contraceptives, and reproductive health services become imperative to address the challenges posed by overpopulation and ensure a viable future for generations to come. Read ahead to know more about World Population Day and why family planning is important.

World

Contents

World Population Day
Why is the World Population Day Celebrated?
Importance of Family Planning
- Health planning
- Financial planning
Health Insurance Plans for Family
Key Considerations for Choosing Family Health Insurance

World Population Day

United Nations (UN) observes World Population Day on 11 July. The day’s purpose is to highlight several issues related to population explosion. The observance was first established in 1989 by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme.

Here are the standards put forth by the UN in favor of family planning. (Note that these standards have been written here in a simplified manner for better understanding.)

There should be no discrimination when it comes to offering family planning information and services.
All countries must make family planning services available for every citizen.
Mere availability won’t suffice; the services must also be accessible.
Information and services must be provided in an ethical and culturally acceptable manner.
Proper communication, good quality, and scientific accuracy must be maintained.
Every person must make an informed decision
Right to privacy must be respected regarding family planning
Countries must ensure active participation of citizens when it comes to decision making involving health issues
Those making the policies must be accountable to the people

Why is the World Population Day Celebrated?

World Population Day is celebrated to raise awareness about population issues and their impact on sustainable development. Established by the United Nations in 1989, it serves as a platform to highlight the importance of family planning, gender equality, poverty alleviation, maternal health, and human rights. The day aims to draw attention to the challenges posed by rapid population growth, such as resource depletion, environmental degradation, and social inequalities.

By promoting dialogue and advocacy, World Population Day encourages governments, organisations, and individuals to take action to address these issues and promote sustainable population growth. Through education, access to reproductive health services, and empowerment initiatives, the goal is to create a world where every individual can thrive while safeguarding the planet for future generations.

Importance of Family Planning

Family planning is the need of the hour. Proper planning regarding child bearing and birth spacing must be done for a better future. Here are two major parts of family planning.

Health planning

A woman’s body must be ready to give birth. Adolescent pregnancies can lead to complications. Contraceptives must be used to prevent unplanned pregnancies. The mother’s as well as the unborn child’s health is at stake when it comes to pregnancy. Thus, all possible healthcare measures must be undertaken.

A gap of few years between pregnancies helps the mother’s body to heal. The nutrients lost during the gestation period can be regained. This way, the pregnant woman will be able to provide necessary nutrients to the growing child. Suitable pre-natal and post-natal care should be provided to ensure a healthy mother and child.

Financial planning

Nutrition forms the core of a healthy mother and child, not just during the pregnancy but also after it. There are frequent medical tests to be conducted to track the mother and child’s health. Childbirth is expensive. From medicines to hospitalization, there are a lot of bills that need to be taken care of.

Bringing a child in this world is a huge responsibility. Parents need to make financial plans to ensure the child gets adequate healthcare and education. And in today’s times, both, healthcare and education are costly. Thus, financial planning has the power to make or break a child’s future. This is where medical insurance plans can prove extremely important.

Health Insurance Plans for Family

Health insurance is a crucial aspect of financial planning. One must purchase relevant medical insurance plans to secure finances in case of unexpected health hazards. You can buy a health insurance plan for yourself or/and opt for family health insurance as well.

Nowadays, health insurance plans for family are easily available online. Check whether the family health insurance policy has a maternity cover and also keep an eye on its waiting period. Make sure to compare health insurance plans for family based on the premium charged, situations covered, and the services offered by the insurer.

Key Considerations for Choosing Family Health Insurance

Choosing the right health insurance plan for your family requires careful consideration of coverage options, affordability, and flexibility. By assessing these key factors, you can select a plan that provides comprehensive coverage while meeting your family's financial needs and healthcare preferences. Remember to review your options annually during open enrollment periods to ensure your plan continues to meet your family's evolving healthcare needs.

1. Coverage Options

When selecting a health insurance plan for your family, it's crucial to assess the coverage options available. Look for plans that provide comprehensive coverage for a wide range of medical services, including hospitalisation, doctor visits, prescription medications, and preventive care. Evaluate the extent of coverage for pre-existing conditions, maternity care, mental health services, and other specific needs your family may have. Consider whether the plan includes access to a network of preferred healthcare providers to ensure quality care.

2. Affordability and Cost

Affordability is a significant factor when choosing a health insurance plan for your family. Evaluate the monthly premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance amounts associated with each plan. Determine what out-of-pocket expenses you can comfortably afford, taking into account your family's healthcare needs and budget constraints. Consider whether the plan offers subsidies or tax credits to reduce costs, especially if you qualify based on your income level.

3. Flexibility and Additional Benefits

Opt for a health insurance plan that offers flexibility to meet your family's evolving healthcare needs. Look for features such as the ability to choose your own healthcare providers, access to telemedicine services, and options for adding or removing family members from the plan as needed. Assess additional benefits such as wellness programs and coverage for alternative therapies like acupuncture or chiropractic care. Consider whether the plan provides coverage for emergencies and medical services when travelling abroad.

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