This publication addresses some of the key challenges faced by health professionals and care providers in communicating effectively with patients and families. The authors emphasise the importance of effective communication as a part of clinical care. Communication difficulties with patients are often cited by physicians as one of the most challenging areas which is also a major contributor to professional stress, burn-out and unsatisfactory treatment outcomes.

The book discusses several issues like breaking bad news, talking about death and grief, dealing with difficult questions as well as training and developing communication skills. Recommended reading for palliative care physicians, oncologists, nurses, psychologists, health care providers and professionals.

aspect regarding governance of the health sector in India and the state role. Good governance, accountability and transparencies are critical aspects in attaining the national health goals and improving public health services. This report assesses the major facets of governance to examine how the state is discharging its responsibility. Based on analysis and global experiences, prescriptive suggestions have been made for the Indian health system.

The latest publication in the Anubhav series documents the exemplary work of VHAI Aparajita team in the Andamans following the devastation unleashed by the Tsunami in 2004. It provides a fascinating and amazing account of the achievements, challenges and team spirit of the project personnel, volunteers and the people of Andamans in rebuilding their lives. The book describes how the VHAI project team was able to successfully implement rehabilitation programmes for the fisher folk, farmers, youth, traders, self help groups, school children, artisans and vulnerable groups. It is an inspiring story with learnings and case studies providing a valuable lesson for any team working in a post-disaster situation in challenging locations of our country. The publication also brings up the larger issues of institutionalizing training and rehabilitation methodologies and providing support systems in disaster situations.

This publication is a part of RRC-VHAI’s initiative to strengthen the RCH programme under the Public Private Partnership with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The booklet encapsulates information on family planning methods, use of contraceptives, challenges faced in meeting family planning needs in India and the role of counseling. The book is supplemented with technical inputs by practicing clinicians and public health specialists. Its simple and user friendly design will appeal to ANMs, health workers, ASHAs and general public as a reference book and training manual. It is also useful for NGOs and health providers working on family planning issues at the grassroots.

This path-breaking research study and film is an effort to look at the lives of bidi workers living in select pockets of West Bengal and Gujarat. It examines how the occupation of bidi rolling causes huge damage to public health, keeping thousands of workers in the bidi industry in misery and deprivation. The study and the film reveal that the bidi industry is an unorganized home-based sector, which exploits workers to rake in huge profits. The industry also exploits lakhs of children by ruining their childhood and future. The study gives key findings and policy recommendations to implement a national pilot programme along with necessary measures to enable the bidi workers to adopt safe, alternative livelihoods.

• Hamari Chitthi Aapke Naam on Health Promotion
• VHAI Brochure
• Brochure on Tobacco Control Activities
• Health For the Millions – Four Issues
•  Brochure on Bidi Film and Study
• Health Care and Patients Rights (Konkani)
• Health for the Millions

Health for the Millions is a pioneering health magazine published every two months since 1975. The magazine has completed more than 30 years in print, making it one of the oldest and most established public health publications in circulation today. Health for the Millions, currently, has a run of 1200 copies. The magazine has been, over the years, receiving a favourable response from its readers.

HFM brings together authentic, well-researched and original information collected from reliable sources. It provides insights into innovative and fascinating grassroots interventions as well as important policy changes, which affect the lives of millions. HFM is read by important people comprising policy makers and other health and development personnel in public and private sectors, various medical associations, universities, the industry, NGOs and CBOs in the country and abroad.
Being a theme-based journal, HFM has always tried to reflect on the prevalent public health issues of its time. We plan to continue with new innovations in HFM over the next year, while staying true to the integral character of the magazine.

Some of its recent issues focusing on the ‘Health and Development Status of the Country,’‘Financing of Health Care’ and ‘Mainstreaming AYUSH’, ‘Tobacco Control in India’ have received encouraging response from the policy makers, academia and CSOs.