Improving health through wealth
BMJ 2007; 335 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.39282.431100.AD (Published 13 September 2007) Cite this as: BMJ 2007;335:538
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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
Competing interests: No competing interests
Asoka the Great -ruler of half a gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica)
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
Competing interests: No competing interests