Human Resource Practices and Commitment of Senior Officials in Health System: Reflections from a Progressive State in a Developing Economy

It is widely recognised that the commitment and competencies of people working in the health sector has significant bearing on sector performance and its reform process. The current paper attempts to analyse the commitment of the health officials and its implications for HR practices in Maharashtra. The study suggests that the district health officials do not share a strong emotional bond with their department. The state needs to reform its Human Resource Management practices to effectively strengthen the functioning of the health system. The study shows that there is a need to involve senior doctors in staffing decisions that affect their work units. There is a need to develop a proper tribal/remote area posting plan for the health officials, failing which creates a sense of frustration among the health officials. The study also suggests investing in development of multiple strategies for the growth and career development of health professionals. Finally the study advocates the need to develop areas of public private partnership and community participation in making the public health programme successful.