Doctors have a duty to speak out on political issues but should avoid party politics

Oliver is right that doctors can have more influence on policy than they realise,1 although admittedly it would be easy to be discouraged by the current political situation in the United Kingdom. I would like to add some observations from several decades of working with politicians and senior officials in many countries.

First, there is a difference between talking about political issues and pursuing party politics. Many of the most important determinants of health are in the scope of politics, hence our use of the term “health in all policies,” embracing economic, employment, and housing policies to mention just a few. We have a duty to speak out on these issues, but it is unwise to associate ourselves with political parties, even if others portray us as partisan.

Second, the wisest politicians and officials understand the importance of health and welcome well argued contributions. I was privileged to serve on the Pan European Commission on Health and Sustainable Development, alongside two former prime ministers, three former presidents, and others from the world of finance and elsewhere. They displayed an ambition that is often lacking in our advocacy. And recent books by, for example, Mark Carney and Gordon Brown could almost be public health texts.

Third, we must show that we are genuinely interested in making the world a healthier place. Too many high profile people tell me that the doctors they meet are usually asking for money for their laboratory (even if they dress the initial remarks differently).

Fourth, we should look beyond health ministers. We often see a meeting with a health minister as the pinnacle of our ambition. Yet, they are often the weakest in a cabinet. We need to engage with finance ministers and heads of government. And, even if the current British government ignores parliament, we should not. Parliamentary committees are important.

Fifth, we should not be hesitant about reaching out to politicians. Everyone else does, including many whose interests damage health. And finally, we must, as Oliver exhorts us, speak truth to power. It might make us unpopular in the short term, but, ultimately, it is a sign of our commitment and integrity.