India, Indonesia and Thailand are developing countries of Southeast Asia at three distinct stages of economic development. Their per capita GDP (US$ – year 2002) is respectively 487, 817 and 2060. The first country stands low down in the low-income group, while the second and the third belong to the middle-income group. All three countries have existing health systems significantly deficient in several components for achieving the national health goals. These countries have over the last decade or so been struggling with their plans and strategies to shape their system in order to improve its performance, while simultaneously ensuring its sustainability in the fast changing global economic scenario. The process of transformation of the systems in these three countries is currently poised at different stages, and the current health attainment is also at staggered levels. Over the last two decades, countries the world-over has been engaged in what, in generic terms, is known as ‘reforms’.
Author: Javid A. Chowdhury
