Options for provision of occupational health services in developing countries

Different models of occupational health care are available for developing countries to consider in developing their provisions for occupational health services. Even in developed countries there are differences between legal requirements for personnel and services, and voluntary provision of services. The range of activities covered by occupational health services can be extensive. Developing countries often focus on the provision of clinical care and treatment facilities at the workplace with less emphasis on preventive services. This may be related to the perceived value of the clinical skills of the doctor and nurse available at the workplace, plus the lack of other occupational health personnel, and the limited access to occupational hygiene and laboratory facilities. For future occupational health provisions, developing countries have to consider the balance between preventive services versus other clinical and non-clinical services. There will be benefits in reviewing the experience of developed countries in terms of the essential skills and training of occupational health personnel, and the contribution this would make to the health of the workforce in developing countries.