The Hindu : National : Call for partnership in health sector

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jun 14, 2006

National

National

Call for partnership in health sector

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: India needs to have an institutionalised public-private partnership in the healthcare sector. Efforts will also have to be made to meet the shortfall of human resource and training of health personnel, including doctors, according to the recommendations at the conclusion of a series of roundtables to develop a framework of collaboration of the Government and private sector and non-profit sector.

The Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI) and the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE) are collaborating on the `Indo-EU dialogue on Government, Public and Private Partnership,' for the development of an appropriate and sustainable health care system. The initiative is being funded by `EU-India Small Projects Facility Programme in Economic Cooperation (SPF)' to support the ongoing transformation and modernisation of Indian economy and systems of governance.

The recommendations released here on Tuesday said lack of human power for primary healthcare was an area of concern and efforts would have to be made by the Planning Commission to amplify issues related to incentives for medical and paramedical people to take up community healthcare.

Equity in access to health services has to be ensured. Any scheme, whether community-based or otherwise, must have a minimum critical mass of resources for effective implementation, it has been suggested. A minimum critical size of financial package is a fundamental requirement for a viable public healthcare system.

Decentralisation of the health system is vital, and this should be done under effective supervision. The decentralised entities should be encouraged to accommodate their local perceptions and requirements within a technical micro-plan drawn up at the state level.

People should have an important role. Within the context of the functioning of the Panchayati Raj System, people should run their own sector. Communities should be empowered to take responsibility (including provision of necessary funds and resources) to develop, own and manage health programmes.

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