Local Governments and the Public Health Delivery System in Kerala

Book excerpt: This book discusses the significance of local governments in public healthcare systems in developing countries, particularly India. It considers a new model of public health delivery system in the Indian state of Kerala, which is unique in achieving a fairly high level of human and social development with a relatively low level of economic development. Unlike most Indian states, Kerala has devolved the control of health service management to local governments, though the state government still has administrative powers, resulting in a system of dual responsibilities. Transfer of public health control from state government to local governments has seen an increase in the participation of the local community in public health delivery management. Based on a field study conducted in Keralan districts, this book explains the scope for mobilising local resources for the implementation of public health projects under local government, discussing a unique model of co-production between the government and civil society that can improve health services, efficiency and equity, leading to better health outcomes. As such, this study will be of interest to scholars and practitioners in the areas of health, local governance and decentralised planning.