Year: 2026 | Month: July | Volume: 16 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 301-309
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20260731
Integrating Sexual and Reproductive Health into Primary Healthcare in India: A Narrative Review of Historical, Cultural and Rights-Based Perspectives
Apurvakumar Pandya1, Riya Gogia1,2, Medha Wadhwa1, Kruti Gupta1
1Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
2Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India
Corresponding Author: Apurvakumar Pandya
ABSTRACT
Background: Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes in India remain shaped by deep-rooted historical, cultural and socio-political forces that continue to influence healthcare-seeking behaviour within primary care. Despite policy commitments to universal SRH coverage, persistent stigma and restrictive social norms limit uptake of preventive SRH services, particularly among adolescents, unmarried individuals and sexual minorities.
Aim: This review aimed to trace the historical evolution of sexual attitudes in India, identify barriers and enablers to SRH service access within primary healthcare, and propose strategies for integrating comprehensive, rights-based SRH services into primary care systems.
Materials & Methods: A narrative evidence synthesis, reviewed the existing evidence such as published articles, national surveys, and historical texts to trace shifts in sexual norms and their impact on access to preventive services was conducted.
Result: The findings reveal persistent stigma, provider biases, access limitations, and gaps in sexual health literacy that restrict the uptake of preventive SRH services, particularly for unmarried individuals and marginalized groups. Integrating comprehensive sexuality education, enhancing non-judgmental primary care services, and leveraging digital platforms to improve SRH outcomes is essential.
Conclusion: Aligning with preventive medicine goals, strengthening SRH services at the primary care level is essential for improving equity and population health in low- and middle-income countries. Programmatic interventions such as provider training and community outreach, can transform the SRH landscape towards a more inclusive, rights-based approach.
Key words: sexual & reproductive health, sex positivity, sexuality, Indian culture