Medical science has witnessed a remarkable progress in Health-care providing quality life to patients. Advances in diagnosis, radio-diagnostics, genetics, molecular biology and pharmacological therapeutics have given excellent support to the task of combating diseases and extending Health care.

Newer and more advanced surgical techniques, backed by biotechnology have made recovery easier and better.

Health science has developed by focusing on factors such as disease, age and genetics which is approached organ-wise or system-wise so as to provide a better understanding for the development and the management of diseases.

The holistic approach on environment, water, food, education, economy, culture, social well- being and mental health further enhances the scope of prevention of diseases and aftercare for the ailing patients.


The ability to understand the findings and arrive at a diagnosis, provide the treatment and predict the prognosis of those suffering requires skilled personnel.

It was in 1943, Sir Joseph Bhore, Chairman of the Bhore Committee recommended the Doctor to patient ratio of 1:4000. Further, Mudaliar Committee (1962) , Chadah Committee (1963), Mukerji Committee (1965 & 66), Jungalwalla Committee (1967), Karthar Singh Committee (1973), Shrivastav Committee (1975) recommended different measures for the administration, planning and programming of the health care system.

The aim of a Health system is development of health – a process of continuous and progressive improvement of the health status among a population.

The “Health System” is intended to deliver ‘Health Services’. In other words, it constitutes the management sector and involves the organizational matters, such as planning, determining priorities, mobilizing and allocating resources, translating policies into services, evaluation and Health education.

As “Health” is an important contributory factor in the utilization of manpower, the Planning Commission has given considerable importance to Health programmes in its Five Year Plans.