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Making Poverty History
- Bikki Gautam (15 September 2007)
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Asoka the Great -ruler of half a gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica)
- Kawaldip Sehmi (17 September 2007)
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Bikki Gautam, Doctor Institute of Medicine, Nepal
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The world has been never been divided as it is right now, the rift between the developed countries and developing countries keeps growing each day. While cardiovascular and chronic diseases remain top priorities for the developed nations; food, shelter and the fight against diseases like AIDS and infectious diseases the top priorities for poorer nations like Nepal. Yes, with the changing pace of globalization and the increasing trend of international commuters, diseases have crossed boundaries and health has become a global concern. But why has the success story been such a pathetic one despite all the promises and the much hyped declarations? People have been voicing concerns about the indifference that has been shown by the rich nations and this has led to lots of criticism and demonstrations around the world. When we share the common world, doesn’t everyone have the obligation to share what they have in abundance? Of course, it would be wrong to state that nothing is being done. Lots of organizations and people have really stepped up to the task of stopping this injustice. There are genuine people who understand and feel for the real cause, but are they being overshadowed by those people in the limelight who deem themselves humanitarians but are just cold hearted businessmen and politicians who are basking in the glitterati of world conferences and meetings? Have we been able to address the real and core issues? The data say a different story. Maybe everyone has become engrossed with their own projects and targets, that they have forgotten the most basic principle of success i.e. togetherness. One of the major reasons behind this has been the lack of proper research and planning. Either we have overlooked the places and the people who are in real need or we have failed to identify the areas of priority. It is highly recommended that the government hires experienced health professionals who have worked in the remotest parts of the country and take necessary suggestions from them. Besides, forming small task forces to gather health related data from all over the country and careful analysis before implementing projects is a must. Also, it’s high time the top guns take accountability for the results that haven’t come and transcend above personal achievements to triumph over poverty and achieve global health. Its time everyone started feeling accountable and pledged to work together and with sincerity to achieve whatever target or goal they set for the future. As always, the sole responsibility doesn’t lie with the wealthy nations and powerful organizations but with each and every responsible citizen of the world including us. Eliminating poverty and establishing equitable health is a Herculean task, but when millions of hands rise in unison, no problem can be big enough that can’t be tackled or stopped by the power of human faith. Let the words of Bono of making poverty history indeed come true. Email:bikki_iom@hotmail.com Competing interests: None declared |
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Kawaldip Sehmi, Director Health and Equality European Network QUIT UK TW7 7NT
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It is said that the health and economic welfare of the Indians was at its zenith under Asoka the Great- the Maurya Dynasty 273-232 BCE. His edicts and famous three headed lion pillars and laws are still being unearthed amongst ruins of many an ancient hospitals, health centre and public health improving water tank. His circle now adorns the national flag and his three headed lion stupa appears on all currency and national statutory stamp duty paper used in courts. His rule went as far west as Afghanistan in the west and Burma in the East. How did he end poverty,improve health and MAKE HISTORY? Through war and pillage and utter subjugation of other societies. He virtually destroyed the Kalingas in 265 BCE and took their timber forest as charcoal for his clay kilns and metal forgers and subjugated the farmers to pay tithes in grain and produce for many years to sustain his public health improvement works and army. BUT the Mauryas lived healthy and wealthy lives, while the rest lived in poverty and ill health. If the Kalingas had had oil reserves and the Mauryas knew of its use,Asokha would have razed the Kalingas to the ground and bombed them to oblivion. But there is a confused moral in his ending. He gave up war and became a Buddhist as his conscience was pricked by the Kalinga bloodshed. The Maurayas declined rapidly and hunger, pestilence, choas and disease followed. Did peace bring this to them? In the end, while on his death bed and dying in poverty his faithfully praise singer procliamed: Asoka you are great and ruler of the world. Asoka replied, " No. All I am now a ruler of is this half eaten Indian Gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica a bitter fruit eaten by the impovirished) "Many say that industrial and military might guarantees health and wealth to a society. What say ye praise singer?" Competing interests: None declared |
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