The Deputy Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, John Kelso, along with other representatives, appeared before the Select Committee on Indian Affairs to discuss the budget request for Indian health programs for the fiscal year 1984. The Indian Health Service (IHS), which provides healthcare services to American Indians and Alaska Natives, is an integral part of the Department of Health and Human Services. The IHS operates a comprehensive health delivery system, including hospitals, health centers, and clinics, both directly and through tribal contracts. The budget request for the IHS for FY 1984 is $720.3 million. The Presidents budget also includes an initiative to increase collections from reimbursements to supplement the appropriations request. The IHS aims to maintain and improve the health status of the Indian people while ensuring reimbursement from third-party payers. The budget request also includes increased funding for the Equity Health Care Fund to address funding deficiencies for certain Tribes. The IHS strives to meet the standards set by the Joint