Report of the Health Survey and Development Committee Vol.I (Survey)

Abstract

Tlie Health. Survey and Development Committee was appointed' by the Government of India in October 1943 to make (a) a broad survey of the present position in regard to health conditions and health organisation in British India, and (b) recommendations' for future developments. The letter dated 25th October 1943 from the Government of India to the Chairman of the Committee in. regard to its appointment and work is reproduced below and the' press communique referred in the letter is given as Appendix 56; in Volume I I I of this report. “ I am directed to forward a copy of the press communique announcing the appointment of the Health Survey and* Development Committee. The terms of reference* of the Committee will, as stated in the communique, be to make ai broad survey of the present position in regard to health conditions and health organisation in British India and to make recommendations for future development. The terms of reference have been framed ip. general terms in order to leave the fullest possible freedom to the Committee in itstreatment of the subject matter of the inquiry. 2. A survey of the whole field of public health and medical relief has not hitherto been attempted. The immediate necessity for initiating such a survey has arisen from the fact that the tkne has come to make plans for postwar development in the health field. The Government of India consider that such plans should be based on a comprehensive review of the health problem. 3. It will be observed that the terms of reference mention firstly a survey of existing conditions and organisation anil secondly suggestions for future development. The Government of India regard the first item as of no less importance than the second. A survey which will give a general pictureof the present position and which will indicate, and place proper perspective, the causes of a low level of health and the problems to be solved must be of the greatest value to all who are concerned with problems of health. A review which extended to all factors which have a direct or indirect bearing <on the health of the community would cover a very large range *of Government and private activity. The Committee ha&been 'constituted to review _ primarily those activities which can reasonably be regarded as falling within the scope of health ■administration. Turning to the question of future develop- \ment it is unlikely that any committee would be able to produce within a limited period a solution for each of the many varied j>roblems in the health field and it is recognised that in some •cases the Committee may be able to do no more, within the limitations under which they have to perform their task, than ■to suggest various possible directions in which a solution may lae sought or to indicate the need, for further special inquiry The Committee may wish to consider the question of indicating, where possible, both short-term objectives—objectives which might reasonably be expected to be reached within s' period of four to five years— and objectives which will .necessarily require a longer period for attainment.