HEALTH-CARE IN DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES - CURRENT STATUS AND STRATEGIC OPTIONS

Developing countries have grave deficiencies in their systems of Health Care. These problems can only be solved by implementing plans which combine measures of alleviating poverty, improving public health, preventing diseases when possible and treatment and curative intervention through use of therapeutic agents. Although drugs constitute a small component of Health Care, they can substantially contribute to improvement in Health Care in developing countries. While practically all the developing countries have explicity or implicity adopted the World Health Organisation's declaration on 'Health for All by 2000 AD', the policy plans and implemented modalities are somewhat different from country to country. India is committed to achieving 'Health For All' by 2000 AD. While the political will to achieve this goal has been clearly evident and several plans and policies have been initiated, it is doubtful whether they have been matched by adequate and effective implementation and monitoring programmes. Only a totally integrated approach dovetailing the various components of health care including development of basic infrastructure facilities, preventive measures via provision of appropriate and adequate nutrition and prophylaxis through vaccines and curative measures involving the use of drugs and hospitals will ensure 'Health For All By 2000 AD'. Strategic options to achieve these objectives need to be delineated and incorporated in our National Health Policy.