| This paper outlines the objectives and scope of India's comprehensive health service. It's major components are: (1)promotion of health (e.g., nutrition, sanitation, environmental health); (2)prevention of disease (especially immunization and health education; (3)early diagnosis and treatment (to control the spread of communicable disease, reduce the risk of complications, and shorten the period of disability); and (4)rehabilitation. Within this general framework there are specific problems that must be dealt with, notably the population crisis. Special consideration must be given to certain groups, including mothers and children, the aged, industrial workers, tribal people, and the inhabitants of rural areas; for this reason primary health centres with subcentres and referral hospitals are being established all over India. Traditional methods of medical education need major revision to make undergraduate training more relevant to the community. New hazards from industrialization are emerging and need to be monitored, and there must be an efficient system for collection and analysis of vital statistics, a valueble planning tool. With the introduction of a limited government-operated health insurance scheme, greater availability of free medical treatment, and the more active role of central and state governments in special health programmes, the foundations of a nationalized comprehensive health service already exist. |