Dr. Rajan N. Khobragade IAS
A health system consists of all organizations, people and actions whose primary intent is to promote, restore or maintain health (reference-1). The four key goals of a health system are improved health, responsiveness to people's expectations, Social and financial risk protection, and improved efficiency. The health system delivers preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative interventions through a combination of public health actions and the pyramid of health care facilities (primary, secondary and tertiary
care facilities) that deliver health care.
What are the building blocks of a health system?
The world health organization identifies the following as the key building blocks or core components of a health system (reference-2).
1. Service Delivery
2. Health Workforce
3. Health Information Systems
4. Medical Products, Vaccines, and Technologies
5. Health Financing
6. Leadership and Governance
The overall goals of the health system is improved health, responsiveness, social and financial risk protection and improved efficiency. The strength of a health system is determined by how these six building blocks interact. For instance, Leadership and Financing provide the necessary foundation and fuel, while Health Information Systems offer the data needed for evidence-based decision-making. These supports allow Human Resources to utilize Medical Products and Technologies to provide high-quality Service Delivery to the population.
