The World Health Organization defined health as 'a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity'. In which year did this definition come into force?
- A 1946
- B 1948 ✓
- C 1978
- D 1986
Correct answer: B. 1948
Explanation
The WHO Constitution containing this definition was signed in 1946 but came into force on 7 April 1948, the date celebrated as World Health Day. Indian textbooks and exams conventionally quote 1948 as the year of adoption. The Ottawa Charter of 1986 expanded the concept of health but did not originate the definition, and 1978 marks the Alma Ata Declaration on primary health care.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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