By Dr Honey Savla
World Health Day: I remember the first proverb that I had learned from my preschool teacher was "Health is Wealth”. But somehow, as I grew up, there were so many experiences and incidences due to which I started feeling "Wealth is Health". If you have money, you can buy the best medical care, pharmacy, investigations and of course a 8-digit mediclaim cover. But as i started ageing, I have now realised "Health cannot be bought by wealth". Whatever you do in life, if you don't have good health, you will not be an efficient worker, you won't be in a sound mind to make decisions and you will spend maximum of your accumulated wealth on pathological tests, radiology and pharmacy. So, at the end of the day, "longevity" is the key and "good health" is the real door to success.
There are several pressing challenges in healthcare that require urgent attention and action. Some of the most significant challenges include:
Rising healthcare costs: Healthcare costs have been rising steadily, which makes it increasingly difficult for people to afford necessary medical care. This can result in people foregoing necessary medical care or going into debt to pay for it.
Shortages in healthcare professionals: Many regions around the world are facing shortages of healthcare professionals, which can limit access to medical care and impact the quality of care.
Chronic disease management: Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, are becoming increasingly prevalent and require ongoing management. Managing chronic diseases can be challenging and can place a significant burden on healthcare systems.
Ageing population: The global population is aging, which is leading to an increase in demand for healthcare services to address the unique needs of older adults. This includes not only medical care but also social support and long-term care services.
Access to healthcare: Access to healthcare is a significant challenge in many parts of the world, particularly for low-income individuals and those living in remote or underserved areas. Lack of access to healthcare can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, as well as increased morbidity and mortality.
Technological advancements: Advances in technology, such as telemedicine and electronic health records, have the potential to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare. However, these advancements can also present new challenges, such as data privacy and security concerns.
Public health emergencies: Public health emergencies, such as natural disasters, bioterrorism, and pandemics, can have a significant impact on health systems and communities. These emergencies require a coordinated response to mitigate the impact on public health.
Addressing these pressing challenges in healthcare will require a concerted effort from governments, healthcare professionals, and the public.
The author works with the Internal Medicine department at Wockhardt Hospitals in Mumbai Central.