Relationship between Connectivity and Child Health: Key Findings from Field Survey
Abstract
Growth and development has continued unsustainable in Pakistan due to shortage of appropriate physical as well as social connectivity. Connectivity supports trade, commerce and interactivity (with the interchange of all kind of information, thoughts, techniques and procedures, goods and services as well as transmission of funds), enhances production and economic growth, and eventually stimulates wealth. Connectivity considered as an essential part which is most relevant to economic development and it also capture foreign investment. Vision 2025 envisaged a well-organized transport system is a pre-requisite for rapid rural connectivity which in turn helps for the development of rural economy. Keeping in view the importance of connectivity for human development, present study explored the impact of connectivity on child health in rural Punjab. The study employs binary logistic regression on field survey data collected from district Sargodha. The study variables include child health, road connectivity, appointment from doctor using cell phone, vehicle ownership, family income, mother education and family size. The results revealed that road connectivity, vehicle ownership, appointment from doctor using cell phone, family income and mother education were positively related while family size was negatively related with child health. Study suggested that there is need to increase employment opportunities similarly private sector must start their own ambulance services effectively in order to meet unexpected health circumstances because there is absence of public sector ambulance services in rural areas. In the same way government should take measures to improve vaccination coverage and facilitate health staff with latest equipment like cell phones. Further, there is also need to ensure rapid public transport system which should be provided in Sargodha city as well as for the people who lived in rural areas. It can only be possible through sufficient investment in road infrastructure. Finally parents must focus on girl’s education for the sake of awareness among them which related to future challenges of child health so they can prove better mothers in future.
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