1.2. Importance of planning 

a. Protective purpose (eliminate or reduce uncertainty) 

• To minimize risk of failure by reducing the uncertainty and clarifying consequences of related management actions 
• Defective planning or inadequate planning leads to failure of the organization 

b. Economy in operation: - it helps us to select the best alternatives that help us to achieve the best result at a minimum cost possible. It helps for effective utilization of resources. It improves the efficiency of the operation, better utilization of resources 

c. To provide a basis for monitoring and controlling work 

d. Affirmative: to increase the chance of organizational success 

e. Brings cooperation and Coordination 

• To establish a coordinated effort within the organization 
  

f. Helps in achieving objectives 

• Fundamental purpose of planning is to help organization reach its objectives. 

Features of Planning: 

1. A good plan should give 

• Clear vision/mission, goal and objectives 
• A clear picture of the tasks to be accomplished 
• The resources needed to accomplish the task (human resources, material, money, time, space and information) 

2. Planning takes place at all levels 

Planning takes place at any level in health system. Planning takes place continually, it is cyclic/spiral process. 

Planning methods can be applied to:- 

• A large program at national level eg. Malaria control programme 
• Small one - at village level eg. Construction of community health post. 

3. Planning must be collective undertaking 

It requires the participation of:

• Professionals – from health and other sectors 
• Community/Non government organizations (NGO) 
• Government/Party