Human Resource Challenges in Indian Public Health Services

Abstract

The quality, accessibility and viability of health services depend primarily on the performance of those who deliver them. Given the strong correlation between the quality of health services and job satisfaction of the health personnel, this study evaluates the problems faced by primary health care providers in India. This cross-sectional study was conducted among middle-level primary care providers operating in the National Capital Region of Delhi, to assess their perception of various issues and challenges related to human resources for health (HRH). They identified gaps in human resource (HR) staffing, training, performance appraisal and compensation, including delays in recruitment, lack of probationary training and failure to link appraisal and compensation to performance. This study contributes to the limited literature on HRH from a broader policy reform perspective, underpinned by stakeholder perspective.