Capitalism: A cause and Linchpin of poor health.

According to Dictionary.com, Capitalism is:
An economic system in which investment in and ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange of wealth is made and maintained chiefly by private individuals or corporations, especially as contrasted to cooperatively or state-owned means of wealth.

Dr. Owain Williams(Centre for Health and International Relations, UK), presented a lecture on Governance: Globalisation, Institutions and Capitalism. He discussed the challenges in Global health governance such as boarder-less disease, the crisis of non-communicable diseases, resource scarcity, failure of co-ordination, supply and demand challenges(causing low R&D for neglected diseases) and market failure. With increasing Public-Private-Partnerships, privatisation, emergence of numerous NGOs with better wage structures than government institutions, globalisation of health services, pharmaceutical companies' TRIPS agreements.. Health has become a commodity that can be bought by the highest bidder. This is disadvantages poorer communities.The main health impact of capitalism is increased inequality. He argues that this is not normal, accidental or necessary.

I think the presentation was interesting, broadening my understanding on the ways in which disposition for economic gain tips the balance for health in favour of the rich. Governments need to ensure that their health systems protect and meet the needs of their poor.


"As a species we are increasingly eating, drinking and smoking ourselves to death." Owain Williams