Health targets and (good) governance

Good governance in health systems is an ideal which is difficult to achieve in its totality but is said to exist if overarching societal goals and values such as solidarity, equity and participation are realized. It requires a process of decision-making and effective implementation and can be judged on the basis of how government institutions conduct their public affairs, manage resources and respond to their citizen’s needs. Standard definitions see good governance as having eight major characteristics: it is participatory, consensus-oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive, and follows the rule of law. Furthermore, it should seek to eliminate corruption, take account of the views of minorities and the most vulnerable in society, and respond to the present and future needs of society.