Organization of neurology services in India: unmet needs and the way forward

Recognition of the magnitude of the burden and disability and mortality consequent to neurological disorders has led to global initiatives of declaring them as a "global epidemic", emphasizing public health approach and integration of neurology care with general health care. Epidemiological transition with increase in neurological disorders in India, the gross mismatch between the need and the available trained manpower and infrastructural facilities are posing challenges to health planners and policy makers for providing neurological care to the community. Alternative approaches of optimal utilization of rural, community health, satellite clinic and district models of the health care with close interaction with tertiary centres, nongovernmental agencies and private sector may facilitate achieving the goal of taking neurology care to the 'unreached'.