To improve the quality and efficiency of health promotion, disease prevention and control and health care, the Sixth Plan places importance on research, development and technology transfer necessary for solving health problems in rural and urban communities. Support research and development in the fields of drug production, procurement, distribution and utilization according to the National List of Essential Drugs. In particular, support will be given to research and development on medicinal plants for primary health care, traditional and modern drugs industries and the production of drugs for export. Protect consumers from the dangers that may arise from the consumption of food, drugs, cosmetics, toxic materials and chemical products by monitoring the dangers and regularly disseminating information to the general public. During the Fifth Plan period, health service centres were increased in number and dispersed widely with community hospitals and extended OPD established in 92 per cent of all districts and sub-districts.
Health centres are now available in all sub-districts.
The Sixth Plan therefore emphasizes improving the quality and efficiency of public health services. Minor cases will be be treated at the local health centres and community hospitals while serious cases requiring high technology treatment will be transferred to urban hospitals and large medical centres. Expand the health card programme in rural areas and initiate it in urban areas. This would lead to the development of health insurance and, consequently, self-reliance. Patients will be given medical care services based on the referral system.