The purpose of public health policy is to protect the general welfare of society by preventing disease, regulating the production and distribution of food supply, maintaining clean water and ensuring the safety of the population through adequate health services. In theory, public health aims at the promotion of wellness through prevention, early detection and treatment of disease. However, implementation of such a policy depends upon the prevailing conditions and attitudes towards health within a society. In practice, many different policies regarding health have been implemented in various communities.
Health Services
One of the most basic functions of public health is to prepare and regulate community health programs. Community health program includes the provision of primary health care, community preventive care and basic nursing care. Primary health care includes collecting, preparing and disseminating information on health, developing a system for preventing and reducing health-threatening diseases and arranging community coordination with other medical services. Community preventive care aims at the development of the public awareness on health and on the prevention of diseases. Basic nursing care improves the general condition of the community through assessment, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Community preventive care also ensures protection against occupational and social hazards and improves the quality of life through improved health services.
Physical And Mental Programs
There are many other functions of public health policy. Community development refers to the promotion of physical and mental health by encouraging community organizations and individuals to participate in the design and development of public health programs. Public administrators are required to coordinate with other agencies responsible for the implementation of health policy. Community organizations can be formed to promote social policies that include family planning, childbearing, child health and substance abuse.
Health education is the another important function of public health policy. There are several methods of educating the public on the advantages and disadvantages of various public health interventions. Frequent communication on health issues through the media, pamphlets and press is one of the popular ways of disseminating health information. Another effective method of educating the public is through education programs and classes. These classes are usually offered in schools, colleges and health departments.
Public Health Policy
The main role of public health policy in promoting health is through education. It is a fact that the most affected areas are the ones who are least aware of the need for improved health services. They may not visit their doctors or they may not be aware of the preventive measures that they can take. Through education, this awareness becomes part of the everyday routine of the people and they start to care for their own health. This policy has been proven useful in fighting epidemics and preventing the spread of diseases.
The function of public health policy is to guarantee the right of the individual citizens of a country to live in a healthy environment free from diseases. The individual’s right to medical care is protected by law. The implementation of public health programs is the primary tool for the control and elimination of diseases and health risks. The primary focus is always to prevent the occurrence of diseases rather than cure them. Programs such as AIDS, Malaria and other epidemics have been brought under control and eliminated through effective implementation of public health policies.
