Implementing patient cost sharing in the form of copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles is one of the more reliable methods for reducing health care costs. But imposing cost sharing reduces patients' demand for medical care, which sets the interests of insurers at odds with the interests of health care providers and drug and device manufacturers, who generally benefit when patients use more services. (Perspective)

Harsh Vardhan, India’s new health minister, has pledged to bring transparency in health-care services and provide health insurance to all citizens. Vardhan, an ear, nose, and throat surgeon by qualifi cation, is touted by
many health experts as the pioneer of India’s Pulse Polio programme. Vardhan, an ear, nose, and throat surgeon by qualification, is touted by many health experts as the pioneer of India's Pulse Polio programme. He has also served as the health minister of Delhi from 1993 to 1998.