Battling the Four Horsemen

Public Health

Photo by Paul Green on Unsplash

Politics is about action.  Individuals and groups “spend” time and money to move the needle of change.  But the question is always which change, or, since we have many values at stake, what should we emphasize--at this moment of time and how? 

My experience is that much that we desire (happiness, safety, meaningful work) is dependent upon one fundamental factor: health.

I suggest that political actors consider viewing public health as a fundamental public good and stop dodging this reality by side concerns about ideological fit.  As a public good it must be funded by government.  And if that means an expanded role for government, so be it. 

Full scaled up research, basic science and technology, can not be left to for-profit companies.  Their focus and time-lines are not adequate.  They do not move the needle as fast and as far as possible. And people die—or live poor quality lives.

Anyone with a passing familiarity with science reporting cannot help but be encouraged by the expanding horizons of health provision and care.  Significant improvements—water, air, nutrition, education, acute and functional care--are within our reach.  I don’t mean we should oppose business and charitable efforts in these fields.  Just don’t stop there.  This has been, at our best, why we have led the way in many areas of progress.  It’s an “all in” concern.  It’s cooperation.  It’s eyes on the goal, not on the rival.  Or can we see that there are no rivals, only the goal, when we abandon our partisan and ideologically limitations. 

Health is key to so much else that we value.  How many of our social ills are consequences of poor health. Heath services and health care is a public responsibility, a community responsibility, a first priority for governments at all levels. A prime objective.