Working together to promote equity in access to health care

Listening to some of the narratives about health care provision can be very discouraging and disheartening, as they give the impression that it is a system in crisis and one that is failing the citizens.

In reality, it’s not all doom and gloom because there are many structures and processes within the system which work very well, and the vast majority of the employees do their best to offer high quality services. However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Constitution enshrines that “…the highest attainable standard of health is a fundamental right of every human being.” And, the right to health includes access to timely, acceptable, and affordable health care of appropriate quality.

But, we all know that there are significant shortcomings within the present structure that considerably impact on the attainment of these rights. You only need to take a drive along the main roads up and down the country and you will see a vast number of private health care clinics and labs - an indication that there is growing demand. It is now the norm that anyone urgently needing access to medical diagnostic equipment is expected to fork out large sums of money at these private institutions, regardless of their economic wellbeing. There mushrooming is an indication that they are responding to a demand that is not being adequately met by the state health care institutions.

But why is this deficiency in quality care in the state institution continuing to happen, and what about the plight for those patients who are unable to afford the costs of private interventions? Is it a case that if they are not able to beg or borrow that they should be left to succumb to whatever health condition ails them? In that case it is in the virtue ethics which is focussed on moral responsibility and not whether something is right or wrong. There is nothing wrong in wanting to make a lot of money and living the life of your dreams. But to what extent? It’s worth remembering that you can’t take it with you when you die, so why not leave a positive legacy.

Everyone has to take stock and start to think and act differently - the senior manager who has the responsibility to ensure routine maintenance, doctors who consciously sabotage the system so that patients can be referred to their private practice, the pharmacist who knowingly gives out 24 tablets instead of 30 and sells the difference on the black market, the cleaners pilfering the garbage bags. Know that you are also part of the problem and that your actions will inevitably impact on the system.

It is time for the leaders, critical thinkers and activists to start mobilising into a powerful collective to challenge some of the inequalities and start the process of bridging the gaps. In other words, starting a movement that tackles health inequalities can be played out in so many ways by hardworking, dedicated, and compassionate people.

Dr Yansie Rolston FRSA is a UK based disability and mental health specialist advisor. She is a social strategist and trainer who works internaonally at various levels of government, business and civil society. Contact her at yr@efficacyeva.com