G.D. Dayaratne of the Health Economics Policy Unit of IPS writes a special feature article marking World Health Day (7th April). He argues that it is exceedingly important that the public dismisses the false notion that PPPs will lead to the privatization of the public health care delivery system. Public health authorities have a responsibility to reap the benefits from PPP arrangements, in order to reduce cost, share resources, provide quality assurance, and increase the efficiency of the healthcare delivery system without compromising on equity and fairness. Hence, institutional changes may be required in both the public and private sectors, to better fulfill their social mandate and provide quality health services to the people of the country.

Despite impressive achievements in healthcare in Sri Lanka over the last decades, the emerging trend of rising out of pocket expenditure by individuals needs attention. OOP expenditure on health hits particularly hard on the poor, whose ailments will either remain untreated or end up forcing them and their families into deeper poverty. To mitigate the economic and health impact on household, the most pressing need is to maintain an uninterrupted flow of life-saving essential drugs in government health facilities.

> G.D. Dayaratne, Manager, Health Economic Policy Unit – IPS In recent years there have been a number of developments in alcohol policies the world over. A noteworthy aspect in these is that the greatest public support is given to policy measures that are not seen as intruding on the moderate or occasional drinker and [...]