PHA-Exchange> Alma Ata publication- The back ground, process and an update

[Aviva]

 Dear Unni,  
Greetings from PHM Secretariat (Global)! 

Thanks for the update on the Alma Ata Anniversary publication. I
appreciate the methodical way the whole process and output has been
outlined. I wish more PHM members would give short reports like this
for record, News brief, Exchange and website. Keep it up. 

Best wishes, 

Ravi Narayan

 
  From: UNNIKRISHNAN P.V. (Dr) 

  Dear Ravi 

  This is a short update on the Alma Ata publication:

  The idea to bring this out as a print publication came mainly to
address the need for something for the media. Efforts were put to
convert the soft copy of the "Alma Ata pack" into a print publication.

  Firstly, request was made to IPHC/ WEMOS/ MEDACT to get permission to
include the papers that appeared in the joint publication they brought
out in the beginning of the year. The permission was given INSTANTLY
for the reprint as well as to use their logos on the back cover .

  Secondly, attempts were put to get this published by Books For Change
(BFC-a development publishing unit of ActionAid) under no-loss/
no-profit terms. Moreover requests to subsidize the publication was
also made to BFC. BFC has put attempts to honor the request. 

  Next step was to get permission from GK to get it published by BFC.
(There was an earlier decision to get all publications printed and
published at GK 
  press). It was explained to GK that BFC will be able to subsidize it
only if it published through BFC as BFC is not a donor and can't fund
publications printed elsewhere. 
   
  During the process, new papers that came in after the release of soft
copy of the "Alma Ata pack" was added. Limited editing work was done
and the book was printed.

  Before it went for print, a mail was circulated to the PHM steering
group suggesting that if there are bulk pre publication orders from any
of the organizations in the steering group, it will help to subsidize
the book. While no financial support was sought from the organizations,
it was suggested that if they can buy minimum 200 copies (@ US $1) it
will bring down the cost. We also agreed that if pre-publication orders
come, we will add the logo of such organizations on the back cover.
(Just in case they were using the money from their ' visibility
funds').
   
  Thanks to Community health Cell, WGNRR and ACHAN who placed orders
for 200 copies. The publication carries their logos on the back cover.

  ++++++
   
  In October first week: 100 advance copies of the incomplete book was
taken as a dummy to Ecuador (for the CHE AND ESPAJEO FORUM) and it was
distributed there. The original idea was to get it formally launched by
Che's daughter if she was coming there. She was not there. Thanks to
Arturo's facilitation, some of the leading lights of the health and
popular movements in Latin America, mainly Ecuador, talked about the
campaign and the book during the wonderful programme in Ecuador in
October. Some of the suggestions that came from Ecuador was
incorporated.
   
  In November first week: The complete book, with all the new 8 papers,
reprints (from the IPHC/ WEMOS/ MEDACT) publication and some relevant
press statements from PHM and others (specifically related to Alma Ata
campaign) are the contents. The back cover is the Million Signature
campaign and the inside back cover is the "Snakes and ladders" ; inside
front cover is PHM songs and Copy left credits.

  Thanks to Delen's facilitation, the book was formally launched by
Satur Ocampo, President of Bayan Muna (People First), Philippines who
as a key note speaker during the International Conference on health
care amidst War and Globalization, in Manila, in November beginning.
the conference was organized jointly by many progressive groups,
including PHM Philippines., IPHC, MATW and others.

  A senior health worker and a medical student, representing the
student union received the first copies from Mr. Ocampo. The 100 copies
that was taken there was an instant hit, some were sold , some were
given as free copies.

  The copies are available from BFC @ US $ 1 per copy + postage and it
may be priced as US $ 2 outside India (+ postage)

  Note: The web address of the WGNRR was wrong on the back cover. It is
being corrected, except for the 100 copies that is already in
circulation. Thanks to Prasanna's facilitation, the final correct
version of the book is in the PHM home page.
   
  I hope this information helps and are for records.
   
  Regards 
   
  Unni