Reflections from India: Health Literacy Beyond the Clinic

This summer, I had the opportunity to spend nearly a month in India, where I observed firsthand the incredible strengths of its healthcare system alongside the many public health challenges that communities continue to face. Through visits to hospitals, community organizations, and public health partners, I was reminded that improving health outcomes requires more than medical treatment, it requires education, accessibility, and health literacy.

One challenge that became evident was the widespread reliance on medications. In many settings, prescriptions are often viewed as the primary solution to illness, even when lifestyle changes, preventive care, or patient education may also play an important role. Helping patients understand why they are taking medications, when they are necessary, and how to use them safely is an essential component of improving health outcomes.

Access to healthcare also remains a significant barrier for many families. While India has made remarkable progress through programs such as the Ayushman Bharat health insurance initiative, conversations with healthcare professionals highlighted that navigating eligibility, finding participating facilities, and accessing timely care can still be difficult for some patients.

Even when coverage exists, barriers to reaching a physician or specialist may delay treatment.

Housing and environmental conditions also influence health. During my time in India, I saw communities living in densely populated informal settlements where limited sanitation, overcrowding, and inconsistent access to clean resources contribute to increased health risks.

These experiences reinforced the importance of addressing the social determinants of health alongside medical care.

Throughout the trip, I had the privilege of learning from several inspiring organizations making meaningful differences in their communities.

Society for Promotion of Youth and Masses (SPYM) works to improve the lives of vulnerable populations through healthcare, substance use treatment, mental health services, education, and community outreach. Their holistic approach demonstrates how community-based organizations can bridge gaps between healthcare systems and the populations that need them most.

At Shroff Eye Centre, I learned about the importance of accessible eye care and witnessed the work of their eye bank. One particularly memorable discussion centered on eye donation awareness and the remarkable willingness of many families to consent to corneal donation after the loss of a loved one. Their commitment to restoring vision illustrates the impact that public education and community trust can have on improving health outcomes.

I also visited CanSupport, an organization dedicated to providing compassionate palliative and cancer care. Their interdisciplinary teams support patients and families both medically and emotionally, demonstrating that quality healthcare extends beyond treatment to include dignity, comfort, and compassionate communication. I was able to spend a whole day in the homes of those who lived in the Delhi area and seeing how CanSupport provides their services.

As I reflect on this experience, one lesson stands out: health literacy remains one of the most powerful tools for improving public health. When individuals understand their health conditions, medications, available resources, and preventive care, they are better equipped to make informed decisions for themselves and their families.

I am deeply grateful to the partners, healthcare professionals, and community organizations throughout India for sharing their time, knowledge, and dedication. Their work continues to inspire my mission to advance health literacy both locally and globally.

Shroff Eye Centre conducts free vision screenings in a government-funded public school in Delhi, helping children receive early eye examinations that can identify vision problems before they affect learning and development. By bringing eye care directly into schools, the initiative promotes early detection, timely treatment, and greater awareness of the importance of routine eye health among young students