Much action is needed - not money alone
Jhunjhunwala, B.
Health for the Millions 24(3): 11-12
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0970-8685 PMID: 12293799 Document Number: 276263
While the government of India's commitment to invest more in the country's social sector is welcome, it is unclear whether the increase should come from either public or private sources. India's delivery system of public expenditures is in considerable disarray. Furthermore, since public expenditures must be financed out of taxes which, in turn, act as a drag upon the economy, they cripple the growth of the economy and the generation of employment. Private expenditures, however, have no such adverse effects. Private expenditures have been estimated to account for 78% of total expenditures in India's health sector. The author describes how the poor are getting less than their fair share of public health facilities and considers the economics of social sector investments and recommended actions for the government.