Global public health policies: case studies from India on planning and implementation

Abstract

Health issues (physical, mental, and social well-being) affecting any community, instead of health issues of individuals, are addressed under the broad category “Public Health”. As per WHO, public health refers to all organized measures (whether public or private) to prevent disease, promote health, and prolong life among the population as a whole. Public health issues are political, widely discussed and debated since they address health needs of a population. Public health issues could be global (global warming), country specific (Euthanasia), state specific (gay marriages in USA), or at lower levels such as districts, villages, religious groups, women, children. Some of the major public health issues in developing countries, and India in particular, are family planning to achieve population stabilization, maternal health, child health, adolescent health, malnourishment among children, and early marriages. Public Health program managers face several challenges such as estimating the community demand for public health services, resource planning to deliver effective and efficient services, creating social awareness and bringing behavioral changes in the community.