Addressing Health Inequity through Strategic Planning and Management

Substantial progress has been made to improve health in India in terms of availability, accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and quality. However, there are major health inequalities between and within the states. Strategic planning of health programs is required to address inequities in health. Need of the hour is to address this using a simplified strategic approach; who is left out, why are they left out, what causes are responsible for it and what are the determinants of inequality. The basic steps of strategic management, including strategic assessment, objectives, strategy formulation, and implementation, can be used to address the health equity. This article cites the examples of Serbia immunization programme, Government of India programme on Mission Indradhanush, and Thailand's universal health coverage to get better understanding to use strategic management to address health inequity. This approach is crucial in achieving sustainable development goals.