The Ministry of Health in Country X would like to know what the experience has been with decentralization in other regions. Responses are sent via E-mail or fax. The secretariat monitors the exchange, and if no responses are forthcoming, either provides information directly, or contacts members in specific countries to ask them to contribute their experience. A consumer organization in a country is concerned about the unregulated growth of private medical facilities which are becoming exploitative. It requests the network for information about regulation of private sector medical institutions and consumer protection measures in different countries.
Members respond with regulations from relevant countries.
A research organization, concerned about the imbalance of medical facilities between urban and rural areas and the concentration of medical manpower in the former to the detriment of the later, is attempting to work out alternative models for medical manpower development for delivery of health care services in remote areas. It solicits the network for various successful examples in different parts of the world. Members with relevant information respond. The network forms a subgroup of interested parties. This working group clarifies the issues and options, and proposes a strategy for a collective response.