Some observations and important questions concerning health care needs in Seychelles. [editorial]

The pattern of disease in Seychelles is somewhere in between the developing and developed countries. The major tropical diseases have either never existed or have been brought under control; while non communicable diseases are emerging as the most important public health problems. Together with this epidemiological transition; the awareness; perception and demands of the population are changing. These are major challenges for those who provide health care and those responsible for the development of the health services

Primary health care and the medical practitioners

The principles of primary health care were readily adopted in Seychelles because these same principles had already been accepted in the programme of the Seychelles People's Progressive Front since its foundation in the early 1964. The declaration of AlmaAta of 1978; coming one year after the SPPF formed a new government; provided an added stimulus to the development of a new health system based on principles such as equity and universal access to comprehensive health services; people's participation in a health; and emphasis on health as part of community and national development