Implications of the ideology and implementation of health policy in a developing country

Abstract

The history of the formerly colonised countries is influenced by the former metropolitan countries. So is the history of modern health institutions. This paper explores the implications of the continuing trend toward the provision of curative health care. It is argued that the trend is at the expense of the rural populations; the hospital-based care is expensive, and is bound to be inefficient and largely ineffective. In addition, the development of hospital-based care coupled by an inevitable degree of specialisation, will contribute to existing inequality of distribution and accessibility. The paper argues that the health policy formulators and implementors are bound partly by their own values, partly by the values of the intended clients and least by ethical or moral considerations. The dilemma exists between what is politically desirable and what is morally binding.