ABSTRACT
The Constitution of India envisages the establishment of a new social order based on equality, freedom, justice and the dignity of the individual. India has a rich, centuries-old heritage of medical and health sciences. The philosophy of Ayurveda and surgical skills enunciated by Charka and shushruta bear testimony to the ancient tradition in the scientific health care of the people. In sum, the contours of the National health policy have to be evolved within a fully integrated planning framework which seeks to provide universal comprehensive primary health care services, relevant to the actual needs and priorities of the community at a cost which the people can afford, ensuring that the planning and implementation of the various health programmes is through the organized involvement and participation of the community, adequately utilizing the services being rendered by private voluntary organizations active in the health sector.
