Improving access and efficiency in public health services

"This study is field-based, insightful and useful in its recommendations. It has rightly emphasized the need for further stregthening the systems of programme management and delivery. It also brings out the fact that ASHAs have made a difference in connecting households to health facilities. It has taken note of the increase in institutional deliveries and the growing pressure on public facilities for healthcare. We will certainly examine suggestions made for further strengthening the ASHA programme . I am sure that this study's insights will help us move effectively towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Ghulam Nabi Azad Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Government of India. The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) is designed to restructure the public health delivery system in rural areas to provide all people with reliable healthcare, it is a flagship programme of the Government of india and is a key ingredient of the strategy for inclusive growth it has been in operation only for a few years, but it is vitally important that both its successes and also its shortcomings be subjected to a careful evaluation. This volume makes an important contribution in t