World Bank study examines quality of health care in India

A study led by World Bank economist Jishnu Das and published in Health Affairs on Monday examines the quality of primary care delivered by private and public health care providers in rural and urban India, a World Bank press release notes. The study found many providers do not have medical degrees; the quality of medical training is low; and less than half of providers provide correct diagnoses, according to the press release, which says the results show an "urgent need" to carefully measure the quality of care. "The study could help policymakers make evidence-based decisions," the press release notes, adding, "In November, the government announced a five-year plan to triple health spending and improve the quality of health services" (12/3).