Health policy refers to the decisions, plans, laws, programmes and actions adopted by governments and other stakeholders to protect and improve the health of populations. In epidemiology and public health, health policy provides the framework through which health needs are identified, priorities are established, resources are allocated and health services are delivered. Health policy is not developed by government institutions alone. It is influenced by both institutional and non-institutional actors, whose roles are closely interconnected. Institutional actors are formally established organizations that have legally recognized authority, responsibilities and structures for making, implementing or regulating health policies. The government is the most important institutional actor in health policy. At the national level, ministries and departments of health formulate policies concerning communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, nutrition, sanitation, immunization, health financing and health infrastructure. In India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare plays a major role in national health policy and programmes. Institutions such as the National Health Authority, Indian Council of Medical Research, National Centre for Disease Control and other specialized agencies provide technical and administrative support. State governments have an important role because public health and hospitals largely fall within their administrative responsibilities. State health departments translate national policies into state-specific programmes according to local epidemiological conditions. District administrations, municipalities, Panchayati Raj Institutions and local health authorities are responsible for implementing many public health interventions at community level. They may organize vaccination campaigns, disease surveillance, sanitation activities, health education and maternal-child health services. Legislative institutions also have an important influence on health policy. Parliament and state legislatures enact laws and approve budgets related to health. Health legislation can regulate tobacco and alcohol use, food safety, environmental pollution, occupational health, pharmaceuticals, mental health and public health emergencies. Legislative debates also bring health issues into the political agenda and provide opportunities to scrutinize government policies