The Politics of Health
It’s almost the time of the year when every Filipino, who is of legal age of course, exercises his or her right of suffrage. And that color in politics, especially for different political parties, can be so overwhelmingly vibrant that they paint the streets beautifully particularly during the period of electoral campaign. These colors, they seem to perfectly mix well with lengthy speeches (and promises), catchy campaign slogans, LSS-induced novelty songs and perhaps a series of never-ending medical missions?
One can never discount the fact that running and winning an electoral campaign is undeniably more difficult and expensive. It is commonly accepted that the candidates with the most "guns, goons and gold" prevails. These candidates more often than not use medical missions as one of their starting points to embark on gaining massive votes by giving free medications (usually multivitamins), offering free pneumococcal vaccinations to the elderly population, sponsoring a lunch and err…allocating 2 kilos of rice per household seem all make a good strategy right?
Health has always been one of the primary concerns of all individuals, households and communities regardless of their geopolitical locations. But why is it still depressing to note that most voters who form the bulk of the population arguably the most politicized, are not saying it clearly. Why don’t we hear something like: Give us quality healthcare, if you seek our votes!
Politicians need to see that their constituents are not just plainly existing to put them into power but they also need to listen to them to voice out their resounding concerns for the greater good of many. Neither the weak and the marginalized will be forgotten but instead they will be remembered and valued as essential components of a social unit that is.
The role of politics as a macrosocial determinant of health is vastly influential. Politics shapes the social, economic, and environmental conditions that, in turn, shape the health of populations. From monetary policy, to pollution control, to construction of healthcare facilities et.al, politics is integral to the safety and well-being of the general public. While this is true every day, the context of the election in the next 4 months to come makes the point all the more necessary to affirm. A note, then, on the importance of politics, and a look at how elections influence health. And by the way, don’t forget to vote wisely!
