Role of NGO’s in protecting environment and health

Abstract

The past five decades have witnessed the difficult problems encountered in providing health care services to poor people, the majority of who live in more than half-a-million villages and in the proliferating slums of our cities. Charitable and voluntary organizations since time immemorial have been contributing significantly towards the health care of the community. With the passage of time, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have equipped themselves adequately and come up enthusiastically in providing services like relief to the blind, the disabled and disadvantaged and helping the government in mother and child health care, including family planning programmes. As a result, all concerned have realized the potential of NGOs and their considerable merit compared to the public/private health sectors because of their staff’s motivation, dedication and sympathy for the deprived sections of our society and their personalized approach towards the solution of problems. The National Population Policy (NPP) 2000 and National Health Policy (NHP) 2002, states that there should be greater involvement of NGOs in the implementation of different health and family welfare programmes in the country. In recognition of the crucial role played by them, Government of India started granting financial aids to NGOs for various schemes. The important role played by the various national and regional level NGOs is briefly documented in the Encyclopedia of Social Work in India, 1968 where special mention has been made of such organizations like All India Blind Relief Society, Family Planning Association of India (FPAI), Indian Medical Association, Indian Red Cross Society, National Society for the Prevention of Blindness, Sent Parmanand Blind Relief Mission, T.B. Association of India, Bombay Mothers and Children Welfare Society; to name a few. A greater role for the NGOs was seen to ensure Health for All through the primary health care approach. Their role was also considered as most crucial to translate the concept of ‘People’s Health in People’s Hands’ into action.