Health

In a resolution adopted by consensus, the UN General Assembly urged member countries last December to implement affordable health care systems that cover all citizens. The resolution calls on member states to develop national health systems that “pool risks among the population” to avoid “the impoverishment of individuals as a result of seeking the care (that they need),” particularly in the case of catastrophic illnesses. 

While this is a step in the right direction, citizens must take action to ensure that their rights are protected, writes Oscar Lanza.  Universal health care on its own does not ensure fairness.  

"The challenge for all is to end poverty, not just reduce it," writes Oscar Lanza of GCAP Bolivia in a report entitled "Justica, Salud & Desarrollo" or "Justice, Health and Development" . 

Citizens need to work together to build a more just, more equitable and less commercial world, argues the anti-poverty activist.  And as we put forward a new development framework to succeed the Millennium Development Goals, it's essential that people's health be front and centre.

"Let's worry more about the health of people than the health of the economy," adds Oscar.

Free healthcare is a right for all in Russia.  A national, obligatory health insurance scheme exists to provide for universal medical services.  Employers are responsible for paying insurance contributions for their employees, while the government pays for pensioners, students and the unemployed.  Yet there is a gap between the sum total of the contributions and the actual costs of national public healthcare.

"India must take lead to ensure the G20 acts decisively to end hunger and deprivation"

GCAP and its partners in India have come together to produce a letter addressed to the G20 Agriculture Minister of India in the wake of the G20 Agriculture Ministers' Meeting to be held in Paris this week. A portion of the letter can be seen below along with the full version available for download.

Dear Mr. Sharad Pawar,

GCAP India (Wada na Todo Abhiyan) and their "Nine is Mine Campaign" calls for increased spending on education and health - 6 and 3 % GDP accordingly.

The Government has just announced that it will increase health spending to 2% - the campaign will continue to lobby for the extra 1%