Health and socio-economic development are so closely connected that it is impossible to achieve one without the other. While economic development in India has been gaining momentum over the last decade, our health system is at a critical point today. Government initiatives in public health have recorded some significant successes over time. However, the Indian health system is only ranked 118 among the 191 WHO member countries on overall health performance. Building health systems that are responsive to community needs, particularly for the poor requires politically difficult and administratively demanding decisions. Health should be a priority in its own right, as well as a means for economic development and poverty reduction. The health sector is complex with multiple goals, multiple products and different beneficiaries. India is now well placed to develop a uniquely Indian set of health sector reforms. This will enable the health system meet the increasing expectations of its users and personnel. Managerial challenges to meet community needs efficiently and effectively are many. These include ensuring availability, access, affordability and equity in delivering health services.
The ten chapters in this book cover important strategic issues of health care in India and include - health system planning and development, financing, financing mechanisms, public-private partnerships, governance issues and assessment of national health programmes.
