This book discusses the significance of local governments in public healthcare systems in developing countries, particularly India. It considers a new model of public health delivery system in the Indian state of Kerala, which is unique in achieving a fairly high level of human and social development with a relatively low level of economic development. Unlike most Indian states, Kerala has devolved the control of health service management to local governments, though the state government still has administrative powers, resulting in a system of dual responsibilities. Transfer of public health control from state government to local governments has seen an increase in the participation of the local community in public health delivery management. Based on a field study conducted in Keralan districts, this book explains the scope for mobilising local resources for the implementation of public health projects under local government, discussing a unique model of co-production between the government and civil society that can improve health services, efficiency and equity, leading to better health outcomes. As such, this study will be of interest to scholars and practitioners in the areas of health, local governance and decentralised planning.

This entirely new edition of a successful textbook provides a detailed understanding of Kerala’s economic backwardness, the reforms required, and the performance of the economy during the post-liberalisation period. This collection of 17 original essays, focusing on current economic problems and development issues affecting Kerala, will serve as a basic textbook for graduate and post-graduate students of Kerala’s economy.

At a time when disillusion with neo-liberal development nostrums is mounting, alternative models of development are being revisited. Kerala's 30 million people may not have experienced rapid growth in GDP per capita, but they have for the past several decades achieved a remarkable social record in terms of adult literacy, infant mortality, life expectancy, stabilising population growth, and narrowing gender and spatial gaps.What are the implications of the disjuncture between human development and economic growth? What are the political, social and cultural factors responsible for Kerala's success? Does its human development record necessarily relate to sustainability in environmental terms? How inclusive has the Kerala model been, particularly for the fishing community and other socially marginalised groups?Can the new people's campaign for decentralised development from below make Kerala's development experience more enduring? What realistic view can be taken of its replicability elsewhere in India or further afield in the South? These are among the most important questions explored in this timely reassessment.

Kerala, a state in southwestern India, has implemented radical reform as a development strategy. As a result, Kerala now has some of the Third World's highest levels of health, education, and social justice. Originally published in 1989, this book traces the role that movements of social justice played in Kerala's successful struggle to redistribute wealth and power. A 21-page introduction updates the earlier edition. This book underlines the following positive lessons that the Kerala experience offers to developing countries: Radical reforms deliver benefits to the poor even when per capita incomes remain low. Popular movements and militant progressive organizations with dedicated leaders are necessary to initiate and sustain reform. Despite their other benefits, radical reforms cannot necessarily create employment or raise per capita income. Local reformers are restricted by national politics. Public distribution of food is a highly effective policy in poor agrarian economies. Devoting significant resources to public health can bring about low infant mortality, high life expectancy, and low birth rates even when incomes are low. Widespread literacy and educational opportunities can help create a more just and open social order. Meaningful land reform can reduce inequalities and give resources to the poor. Wage and working-condition laws can help effect more equitable resource distribution even in a poor economy. Greater socioeconomic equality can lead to lower levels of violence and a healthier social and political environment. Women can benefit from radical reforms not aimed at them, but special attention must eventually be given to their needs. Progressive forces, including Communist parties, can play a major positive role in benefiting very poor Third World citizens. Radical reforms can shield the poor against recessions. Contains over 200 references. (TD)

"A study prepared for the World Institute for Development Economics Research of the United Nations University (UNU/WIDER)."

Kerala health model is considered as pioneer model for health development in developing countries. This model has yielded high basic indicators of health in the state without high economic outcomes. The high social and human development of the state with low economic development has termed its development as lopsided development. Healthcare model in Kerala has brought innovative ways in adhering to the problems of service receiver. While the country as a whole has not been able to achieve a good health model, the state model got wide appreciation for its quality and standard of care. This paper looks at the Kerala health model from early independence era to the contemporary time, its evolution, glory and survival.