Political urge is not the inspiration behind healthcare reform, but the increasing occurrence of chronic illness, including heart disease, lung problems, diabetes, arthritis, controlled cancer or HIV, mental illness and stroke are a motivating factor for a better health care reform. These ailments account for 80% of health affliction as a nation. About 70% of the budget is consumed in providing care to people with such disorders and this cost is rising at a faster pace, as compared to productivity growth.

Co-ordination of hospital and community services is a must, to give good quality care for people with chronic problems. Usually, these services have not been able to work together perfectly. Deep-rooted doubts among health professionals working in hospitals or the community, leads to unfocused care. This is further worsened by the fact that diverse arms of Government are paying for hospital as well as community care.

It’s important to provide integrated services, especially in order to respond immediately to outbreaks of infectious disease or environmental threats. For this reason, primary healthcare organizations and local hospital networks cover the similar areas. There should be a balance between hospital and community services and May budget is expected to strike a better balance.