Plans and policies are integral part of any health system or organization. Although both of look pretty similar, there are some major differences between them which is must to know.
| Plans | Policies |
| Plan is a roadmap to achieve the goal | Policies are the guidelines/set of principles which guide the concerned authority in its course of action |
| Planning is about making plans on how to achieve the objective | Policy is the guideline to achieve the objective |
| Plan is a course of action intended for future | Policy is a set of rules and regulations |
| It is set of future actions which are needed to achieve the objective | It is set of principles which are needed to govern the future actions |
| It is made for both short term and long term objective accomplishment | It is made considering the long term impact on the changing conditions and situations |
| It usually deals with complex and multi-sectoral problems | It usually deals with unisectoral problems and simple problems |
| Plans are made with moderate consideration to the analytic and quantitative techniques | Policies are made with huge emphasis and consideration to the analytic and quantitative technique like cost benefit analysis, statistical analysis etc |
| Plans are made at all levels from strategic level to operational level | These are made by the senior level management |
| Plans are made within the boundary of the policies | Policies are high level strategic governance |
| Planning is the work that we do considering the policy | Policies are set of rules around which we work |
References
https://www.bayt.com/en/specialties/q/218700/what-is-the-difference-between-policy-and-plan/
http://www.answers.com/Q/Difference_between_plan_and_policy?#slide=1
https://www.compliancebug.com/resources/erisa-compliance-dont-confuse-plans-policies/
http://yourbusiness.azcentral.com/differentiate-between-corporate-plan-policy-21171.html
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01944368308977064?journalCode=rjpa20
http://docenti.unimc.it/a.valenza/teaching/2014/13899/files/lesson-1
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/planning-and-managing-education/policy-and-planning/
https://securosis.com/blog/policies-vs.-plans-vs.-procedures-vs.-standards
About Kusum Wagle214 Articles
Hello and greetings everyone! I am Kusum Wagle, MPH, WHO-TDR Scholar, BRAC James P. Grant School of Public Health, Bangladesh.I have gained profound experiences in public health sector under different thematic areas of health, nutrition, sexual and reproductive health, maternal and newborn health, research etc., targeting diverse audience of different age groups. I have performed diverse roles ranging from lecturer in the public health department of colleges, nutrition coordinator, research coordinator and consultant, in different programs, projects and academic institutions of Nepal. I also hold immense experience in working closely and persistently with government organizations, non-government organizations, UN agencies, CSOs and other stakeholders at the national and sub-national level. I have successfully led and coordinated different projects involving multi-sector participation and engagement. Moreover, I am also regularly involved in the development of different national health related programs and its guidelines.
