Geneva, April 4
Health is not a consumer product. It is a common good that must be protected by economic policies subject to the mechanisms of supply and demand, and to limited solidarity.
The essential functions of the public health system are the development and guarantee of the effectiveness of preventive and health promotion actions. Public health approaches health collectively and its purpose is to improve the state of health of the population.
The race for profitability imposed on hospitals and other public healthcare institutions has resulted in increased pressure on healthcare staff, which has manifested itself in frequent work stoppages due to exhaustion and burn-out. The lack of resources allocated to the performance of the work of caregivers has a direct impact on the quality of care offered and the well-being of patients.
It is necessary to explore new avenues to rationalize health costs, rather than delivering patients to private clinics or making savings on the backs of workers.
How is it possible that financial investments from taxpayers to private companies can be so massive, while calls for help from health care workers over their working conditions and lack of resources are not heard?
Public health issues are more than ever at the heart of the concerns of society and citizens and influence political decisions, whether in terms of health security or prevention.
Allowing everyone to live in good health and promoting well-being at all ages are essential conditions for the development of a healthy society.
Ana Barciela Villar
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– Defend public health services as a common good
Letter from readers