| Since 80% of India's population lives in rural areas, the significance of rural health care is apparent. The people are ever increasing their demand for rural health services. The problem, however, is linked with economic and educational development, which medical personnel have little to do with. The two biggest obstacles to rural health are malnutrition and communicable disease. Inadequate staffing in health centres holds back progress. An accurate assessment of problems is a prerequisite for adequate remedial measures. Shortage of medical personnel may be overcome by reemploying superannuated medical men. The problem of physician distribution can be overcome by establishing an All India Rural Health Service to ensure equidistribution of doctors throughout the country. If modern facilities are made available in peripheral villages, there should be little difficulty in attracting young doctors to work in rural surroundings. Periodic refresher training would further help establish doctors in villages. |