Needs for utilisation of research findings in health and population policy and programme implementation.

This paper highlights the need for the utilization of research findings in the formulation and implementation of health and population policies and program implementation in India. Data for discussion are based on the first 6-monthly reports pertaining to primary health care (PHC) and the maternal new born and contraception indicators from district and facility reproductive and child health (RCH) survey research findings. The government of India has initiated a monthly exercise of district RCH surveys among its beneficiaries to understand the beneficiary perspective and level of awareness perception and utilization of various services rendered and to assess the implementation of RCH program in states. Several important service indicators at PHC level are considered including indicators related to infrastructure staff equipment and supplies and beneficiary perspectives. Relevant issues have emerged from the discussion and are summarized in this paper.