This study aimed at improving the function of health centers through developing the strategies of strengthening of their responsibilities and roles. A baseline study was conducted to analyzed the existing health center function, manpower and
organizational structure. Fifty health centers were randomly chosen for this purpose.
Seven different models of health centers were identified and found not to be related to their specific function, but mostly related to regional characteristics. The study has classified various health center activities according to the degree of
performance. Among the activities not regularly carried out, geriatric care and rehabilitation service ranked the lowest in performance, the provision of health statistics and information the second lowest. The most demanding services at health
centers
are home health service, dental fluoride-brushing, physical therapy, herbal medicine service. etc.
@ES five strategies are suggested for the furture direction of health centers:
@EN 1) To extensively develop the area of specific need for the mission of regional health centers.
2) To play a complementary function supplementing the weaknesses of private health sector.
3) To guide and supervise the activities of private health sector toward the more desirable direction.
4) To make an optimum share of organizational roles between the public and the private sectors of economy.
5) Finally, to activate the function of health centers for the achievement of Health for All by the Year 2000.
An analytical model was drawn for activation of health center's function and for realization of the strategies mentioned above. The model has consisted of four factors: an internal and three external factors. The internal factor has comprised
planning
and evaluation function, organizational structure, development of service program and utilization of resources. The external factor has comprized the element of health resources, that of health care delivery and of community people to be seved. A
brief
description was given for the functional linkage of the model. The study has indicated that more extensive organizational reform and functional strengthening are needed to revitalize the performance of health centers.
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