Health Management: An Introduction

Abstract

Health management is critical for improving performance, efficiency, and effectiveness of health systems and health programs, thereby improved access and availability of high-quality and affordable health care with a focus on reducing inequities and raising health status of the people. The introductory chapter provides basic understanding of concepts of health management and applications of principles of management in health systems through which health care is delivered. It highlights need for and importance of health management. It provides an overview of core functions of health management in health care—planning, organizing, monitoring and evaluation, and management processes in problem-solving and decision-making. The chapter also discusses core competencies in public health and management.