This paper discusses a methodology of decentralised planning, which attempts to make district plans locally relevant within the policy parameters and available resources. It provides a rational basis for prioritising and reallocating available resources. Central to this methodology is the client perspective, which is incorpo rated through client-based data, the latter being not only more acceptable, but also easily available. The methodology seeks to make decision-making transparent and, therefore, can be useful for building consensus among all the players in the planning exercise about the content of the plan and its implementation.
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Nirmala Murthy is Director, Foundation for Research in Health Systems, 355, 1E Cross, VIth Block, II Phase, BSK-III Stage, Bangalore 560 085, India. Fax: 080-6720135. E-mail: Nirmala.munhy@gems.vsnl.net.in.
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Akhila Vasan is Research Associate, Foundation for Research in Health Systems, Bangalore, India.
