Instrumentation for health care in India: a realistic approach

The health care of 600 million people, belonging to various religions and speaking different languages, is a challenging proposition. Manufacture of X-ray and electromedical equipment is going up. When a comparison is made with 1951 figures, a lot of improvement is noticeable. Rural masses (80% of the population) are yet to receive benefits of modern advancements. A planned and realistic approach fully realizing the momentary limitations can lead to better patient care. Some recent techniques which are safe and clinically useful are economically feasible even in rural hospitals. Instruments have to be classified as essential, useful and optional, to enable progressive precurements in a phased manner. Maintenance of instruments is an important aspect which is receiving due attention. Instruments are bound to play a vital role in health care in the years ahead.