Akash Kumar

This study examines health care access challenges in the Alwar District and analyses the socioeconomic, geographical, and infrastructural barriers residents face. The study uses primary survey data and statistical techniques, i.e., principal component analysis and multivariate regression modeling. The results signify that marginalized populations, low-income families, and the elderly are disproportionately affected by inadequate access to health care. Most respondents were unaware of the government-sponsored health care programs, with nearly half forced to travel more than ten kilometers to access any health care facility, accentuated by the unavailability of transportation services. In this study the statistical models highlight the critical role of socioeconomic variables in predicting health care utilization and identifying high-risk population groups that require immediate intervention. This research provides policymaking suggestions to improve health care delivery and reduce inequities in underserved rural areas.

Air pollution is a public health threat that requires urgent action. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of air pollution and human health in Indian cities to examine trends and the geography of the scientific literature, the evolution of research, and co-occurrence patterns of pollution sources, types, and health impacts. Furthermore, a narrative review of air pollution mitigation strategies was conducted using scholarly articles, policy documents, and reports. Relevant publications from the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases were downloaded. The search identified 3307 articles published between 1987 and 2024, of which 172 met the inclusion criteria. The bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer and R software. The results indicate a steady rise in studies on air pollution and health issues in India. Initially, research concentrated on various sources and types of pollution, subsequently transitioning to the evaluation of exposure risks, risk assessment, and health implications, ultimately narrowing its focus to risk assessment concerning human health. Over the course of forty years, there has been a growing emphasis on the influence of indoor air quality, including ‘PM2.5’, ‘PM10’, dust, chemical pollutants, heavy metals, and exhaust dust, on human health. Research on pollution-related health effects has moved from examining general impacts to focusing on long-term, chronic consequences of pollutant exposure. Notably, most studies are centred in large metropolitan areas, whereas medium and small towns are underrepresented. Urban areas face severe air-quality challenges, requiring strategies such as monitoring pollution, promoting renewable energy, reusing materials, installing green walls or buffers in pollution zones, improving transport infrastructure, and reducing dust with grass covers. This study underscores the importance of implementing effective air pollution control measures across various geographic regions and integrating air pollution mitigation strategies into comprehensive urban development and planning frameworks.