Since at least the 19th century, we have been conditioned to look to politicians, economists, defence strategists or philosophers to solve the problems of a complex society. Far too often, they work within the parameters of nationalism, or definitions of the world determined by how close or removed they are from a pre-determined centre.

Do they live in the right continent? Practice the right religion? Speak the right language? The solutions arrived at benefit some, devastate others. As the world overlaps and the ineffectiveness of these partial solutions become evident, there is a need for new strategies.

There are innumerable intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations, private foundations, academic institutions and tech companies whose aim is to create a better future. Yet the solutions keep slipping out of their hands. Some of the reasons given by the strategic planning consultants Intrafocus include a lack of clarity due to vaguely defined goals, which lead to an unreliable compass and misalignment of efforts by team members who quickly lose a sense of the larger mission. A brilliant strategic plan on paper fails because of poor execution. When there is no clear plan, milestones cannot be tracked, and the strategy drifts off course in a fog of poor morale.

The one field of human endeavour that has boldly but quietly achieved solutions that truly benefit all mankind is the field of medicine. From evidence of brain surgery 2.5 million years ago to the intense efforts to find a cure for cancer or thalassemia, medicine has maintained an unbroken record of striving to improve the lives of all people.

Although it seems like we live in increasingly divided times, the field of medicine shows us that a path towards unity, compassion and collective action can be charted

Doctors get it right. With little fanfare, they focus on healing in hospitals and clinics, outside of the flotsam and jetsam of political and social scatter in our lives. They prove their mettle in the ill-equipped hospitals of Gaza, during the Covid pandemic, Ebola outbreaks, in medical camps during wars or natural disasters, and in makeshift medical centres serving communities with no access to cities or towns.

Good doctors have no politics, no class distinctions and instinctively help regardless of monetary benefit, whether at the scene of an accident or responding to an air steward’s request: “Is there a doctor on board?” The phrase, “Doctor in the house”, when used metaphorically, suggests a situation where expertise is urgently required. So what is it about medical practice that makes it so much more successful at making the world a safer place than the current global development strategies?

The cornerstone of good medical practice is to understand the whole story. The methodology follows a pathway of listening, observing, investigating, and arriving at a diagnosis, followed by treatment undertaken with the consent of the patient. In case the treatment does not work, other avenues will be explored. A good doctor never gives up. Even when the patient dies, an autopsy is performed to understand what may have caused the death to ensure knowledge is improved for more successful treatment in the future.

Doctors work in seamlessly coordinated teams of a qualified support staff of lab technicians, nurses, nutritionists, physiotherapists, drug manufacturers and even those who ensure the clinical spaces are hygienically clean. Behind the scenes, there is the practice of constant research and an industry of producing better equipment and technology. A parallel pathway works on prevention measures, such as vaccines, exercise and hygiene to prevent health issues.

Although medical research has a macro perspective, doctors attend to one patient at a time and provide individualised care. There isn’t a single human being that does not, at some time in their lives, come under the care of a medical practitioner, whether a modern doctor or a traditional healer. Whether exceptional or ordinary, grouchy or mild-mannered, a worthy doctor always means well and remains true to the Hippocratic Oath, or its equivalent. When they err, a doctor is more likely to be sued for malpractice than a politician or minister of state.

The highly influential American physician Tinsley Randolph Harrison reminds us, “The patient is no mere collection of symptoms, signs, disordered functions, damaged organs and disturbed emotions. The patient is human, fearful and hopeful, seeking relief, help and reassurance.”

These words equally apply to all citizens of the world today, left to struggle with broken systems and policies that are formulated in offices far removed from the lived experience of people and their aspirations. The medical field, a working system hidden in plain view, with its altruistic, people-centred focus and well-coordinated implementation, may inspire the restructuring of development strategies.

Durriya Kazi is a Karachi-based artist. She may be
reached at durriyakazi1918@gmail.com

Published in Dawn, EOS, June 22nd, 2025