The Existing Indian NGOs’ Scenario and the Local Actions in West Bengal

Starting from the health point of view, currently the Indian Central Government and the States constitute an ownership model that includes health facilities. In parallel, there are also models of private property, in which are included: for-profit and non-profit organizations. The first can be autonomous, such as partnerships or cooperatives. The non-profit ones are usually Trust or Society and many non-governmental organizations. The latter ones typically have teaching hospitals, clinics, dispensaries and structures for diagnosis. In India, NGOs have a long history: they play an important role in terms of how they have improved the health status of population. They are private, non-profit, self-governing, voluntary associations, and/or registered with the Government.