Methods, equipment and techniques for rural health care and their evaluation

It is obvious that any strategy for village health care must involve the people actively--something that is more easily said than done. There is hardly any technology for rural health that does not have a significant software component. Why is it that so much that is known cannot be applied? What factors may be important in the diffusion of technology in a rural society? Technology must address itself to the needs as perceived by the people (in addition to what is perceived as their needs by the health care system). It must be compatible with the knowledge and skill levels of the community. Benefits must be visible to the community through appropriate assessment and feedback procedures so as to secure greater and greater involvement.