The Journal is concerned with the politics of health and healthcare, policy making and implementation for and in the health sector and of course health planning and management. Globalization, and the economic circumstances facing groups of countries worldwide, present a great challenge for health systems, planning and management, and the Journal analyses global issues. But it also examines specific issues in specific countries and regions.

The aim of this quarterly journal is to offer a forum for publications which direct attention to major issues in health politics, policy, planning and management. The intention is to maintain a balance between theory and practice, from a variety of disciplines, fields and perspectives.

The Journal is explicitly international and multidisciplinary in scope and appeal: articles about policy, planning and management in countries at various stages of political, social, cultural and economic development are welcomed, as are those directed at the different levels (national, regional, local) of the health sector. Manuscripts are invited from a spectrum of different disciplines e.g., (the social sciences, management and medicine) as long as they advance our knowledge and understanding of the health sector. The Journal is therefore global, and eclectic.

3. MANUSCRIPT CATEGORIES AND REQUIREMENTS

Research Articles, Review Articles, Discursive Articles and Study Protocols should conform to the following:

• Original Papers - reports of new research findings or conceptual analyses that make a significant contribution to knowledge (7000 word limit).
• Commentaries - evidence-based opinion pieces involving areas of broad interest (3000 word limit).
• Comprehensive Reviews - critical reviews of the literature, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses (5000 word limit).
• Case Studies - a case report of particular interest (2000 word limit).
• Letters to the Editor - are welcomed (1000 word limit).
• Critiques - reviews of books or grey literature (please approach the Editor before submitting a review, 800 word limit).
• Special Issues and Special Sections - on topics of interest are also regularly published. These are usually invited.