| Since many health measures require voluntary individual and community action, the emphasis in health programmes is slowly changing from control of the environment to individual and community education. Unfortunately this change has not yet been reflected in the number or curricula of public health institutes in India. Since 1947, the number of medical colleges has increased from 20 to 87, but there has been no corresponding expansion in schools of public health. Training schedules in public health institutes need drastic revision and strengthening, with emphasis on behavioural and social sciences. It is important that health education permeate all levels of society, enlisting government departments, voluntary organizations, local bodies, elected leaders, etc. as health educators. In family planning especially, where shyncss hinders progress, it is important to involve the community and its leaders in discussion. |