This paper will examine some of the alleged defects in the present personal health services system, state some assumptions that may condition changes, pose public policy issues that require resolution to effect desirable changes, and set forth specific proposals designed to improve these services. 'lhe viewpoint will be primarily that of the patient and the community, but not to the exclusion of the views of the health professions and institutions. The object will be to identify major issues and nodal points in the health services system that might be influenced by leadership, discussion or programs initiated at the federal level. Personal Health Services means all health services other than Environmental Health Services. Specifically, those things done to ancl for all individuals who request or require health services provided by doctors, nurses and dentists and the allied health professions. No distinction is made between so-called preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative functions, nor would it be helpful to separate the physical, emotional and social components of illness. These are transient divisions of interest, emphasis, organization and style based more on tradition and arbitrary jurisdictional arrangements than on humanaitarian, scientific or technical constraints. No distinction is made between the various sites of care at which Personal Health Services may be given; for example, the solo practitioner's office, the outpatient dispensary, the voluntary, private or public hospital-their clinics and wards, the health department clinic, the group practice clinic, the home, the factory or the school. Nor is the posture of the patient, vertical or