Basic concepts of public health doctrine and of health policy

Abstract

The first part of the paper consists of an introduction to the doctrine of Public Health, including definitions and “laws” of health and health care. The objectives and functions of health care are described. The principles of multicausality and of the need for a balanced development of the determinants of health are presented. The relationship of the standard of living with the level of health and the association between health care, on one hand, and the economic development and organization of society, on the other hand, are explained. The distinction is made between caring for the health of individuals and caring for the health of populations. The second part develops, from the standpoint of political science, the conceptual framework of a health policy: its definition, description, modes of expression and contents. The concepts of model, system and plan are referred to. Lastly, the elaboration of policy within the political system and the policy review method are outlined.