Medsin National Conference- Bristol 2006

Health is a Human Right

Topics

Introduction

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that, 'Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well being of himself and his family, including food, clothing, housing, medical care and necessary social services.'

But what does this mean? and how does it affect us as future doctors?

The right to health is a huge area that affects each and every one of us and that encompasses all of the following:

Why are there vast inequalities in health - both globally and here in the UK?
What is the obligation on states, the international community, and on us (as citizens and future doctors) to ensure that the right to health is met?
How can we as future doctors take action to achieve the right to health for our patients - locally and globally?
Research shows that 90% of research and development (R&D) caters for only 10% of the world's disease. What is the obligation on the pharmaceutical industry to increase access to essential medicines in the developing world?
Should the NHS provide drugs for all diseases to everyone, regardless of cost?

More importantly, how can we, as students, help people in realizing this fundamental human right?