The World Health Organization formally defined health in its constitution. According to this definition, health is:
- A A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity ✓
- B A dynamic equilibrium between man and his environment
- C A state of physical fitness sufficient to perform daily occupational tasks
- D The ability to lead a socially and economically productive life
Correct answer: A. A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity
Explanation
The WHO constitution adopted in 1948 defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Option B describes an older ecological concept of health, option C reflects the occupational fitness view, and option D is the sociomedical model attributed to functional capacity. Indian exam questions repeatedly test the exact wording of the 1948 definition, so memorise all four elements.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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