Biomedical research: It is the most basic part of health research which demands more
resources, facilities and skilled investigators. The results of biomedical research are more
often of universal importance and thus of general significance.
During the past two decades, concepts and research approaches to support health
development have evolved rapidly. Many of these have been described by specific terms
such as operations research, health services research, health manpower research, policy
and economic analysis and decision-linked research. Each of these has made crucial
contributions to the development of health research.
1.5 Health systems research It is a component of health research. Research that supports health development has come
to be known as Health Systems Research. It is ultimately concerned with improving the
health of a community, by enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the health system as
an integral part of the overall process of socioeconomic development.
Definition of “health system” A health system may be described as:
A set of cultural beliefs about health and illness that forms the basis for health-seeking
and health-promoting behaviour.
The institutional arrangements within which that behaviour occurs; and
The socioeconomic (political) physical context for those beliefs and institutions.
In short, it consists of what people believe and know about health and illness and what they
do to remain healthy and cure diseases. Beliefs and action are usually closely connected. For
example, if in a society people perceive germs as the cause of disease, they will look for
modern (biomedical) health care.
The institutional arrangements within which the health-seeking and health-promoting
behaviour occurs may include: