This section of the handbook focuses particularly on the physical availability of services, which may serve as a
starting point for determining methods to improve service delivery. It presents the measurement strategies and
indicators for monitoring as well as the “inputs”, “processes” and “outputs” to the health system as they relate to
the service delivery building block (see Figure 2 in the Introduction section).
Service delivery monitoring has immediate relevance for the management of health services, which distinguishes
this area from other health systems building blocks. Shortage of medicines, uneven distribution of health
services, and the poor availability of equipment or guidelines must all be taken into account as part of basic
service management.