Health for all and population stabilization in India
Sharma, B.B.; Talwar, P.P.
Journal of Rural Development 10(6): 779-793
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0970-3357 PMID: 12343984 Document Number: 323765
This paper analyses the dual goals of India's health policy which encompasses population stabilization and Health For All (HFA) by the year 2000. The main focus is on family planning and maternal and infant care. Health and family welfare policies drafted in India are in conformity with collectively accepted HFA goals of the Alma Ata declaration (1978), of which India is a signatory. In the Seventh and Eighth Five Year Plans, working groups were appointed to recommend new strategies for family health and welfare policies. Several non-official channels have also been used by professional institutions, non-governmental organizations, etc., to discuss and suggest courses of action. More efforts are needed to overcome the obstacles which obstruct the total integration of health and family welfare strategies with other socioeconomic plan efforts. At the macro level, the situation seems satisfactory, but at the micro level there are some unsatisfactory programmes. Seven strategies are suggested to firm up achievements in the goals of HFA and population stabilization, which will accelerate the economic development of the country and improve the quality of life of the people.