KARACHI, July 8: Proponents of the People's Health Movement have called for socio-economic empowerment of the masses to counter schemes and policies deterrent to their collective well- being as well as their environment.

Referring to the socio-economic challenges faced by the developing world in face of globalization, the speakers reminded that health was not merely about health care but it was directly linked to social and economic well-being of people.

The dialogue on "People's Health Movement" was jointly organized by the Aga Khan University and the Health and Nutrition Development Society (HANDS) here on Thursday. The coordinator of the movement, Prof Ravi Narayan, quoted the wildly acclaimed social activist and known medical scientist Dr Rose who back in 1992 had stated that the primary determinants of disease were mainly economic and social and therefore its remedies must also be economic and social.

Calling upon different segments of the society to get united on a single platform and pull themselves above their individual and bigoted interests for the cause of people's health, Dr Ravi Narayan reiterated that this was significant as the issues of employment, poverty, nutrition, security, commercialization of health care sector, environment degradation were all inter-linked and closely related to the core issue.

Individuals and groups feeling strongly about the issue were recommended to focus on "health as a right", besides consideration towards equity, application of appropriate technology, community participation and inter-sectoral approach.

He said that sharing of strength, weaknesses and experiences of people themselves could help society to boldly face the global challenges. Referring to the Health Models in Kerala (India), Sri Lanka, Costa Rica and Cuba, he stressed that the target of "Health for All" in Pakistan and India was achievable.

In this context, he observed with tinge of regret that inability of people from both India and Pakistan to assert themselves and to influence the national policies led to wrong set of priorities compromising their basic right of development and progress in its true sense.

Dr Ravi Narayan mentioned that the copies of People's Charter for Health was dispatched to the 14 political parties in India prior to national polls this year to make them realize the actual scenario and modify their policies accordingly.

He said that the very charter was developed following the Dacca meeting, which was attended by representatives of civil societies, non-government organizations and committed individuals from across the world, in the year 2002.

The People's Health Movement initiated in 2000 was an international grassroot network of organizations and individuals meant to support and build long-term sustainable solutions to health problems.

Regarding appalling state of health in most of the third world countries, where the majority of health programmes was donor-driven and government policies were also in accordance to the priorities of the donor, he underscored the need to replace donor-driven agenda by people's agenda through empowerment of the masses.

This empowerment, he reiterated, was possible through improved rates of education which again must not be restricted as a mode to acquire better source of living but should engender a will to seek for oneself and the entire society the basic human right for dignified existence and meaningful participation in the affairs of society.

Dr Ravi Narayan also took strong exception to the extensive campaigns undertaken to promote "Corporate Life Style". This was in the backdrop of the fact that people were made to believe that natural resources were no more a national entity but global asset and their better application could be made by those holding power and authority.

Earlier, Prof Ekbal of Indian People's Health Movement explicitly discussed the Kerala experiences and referred to the lacunae which despite almost 100 per cent literacy level and considerably high budgetary allocation for health and education sectors were yet to be efficiently plugged.

"I am afraid things are not worsening and we are experiencing a sort of mixed bag," he commented. However, he opined that this had led to a profound debate among people, which was extremely positive as it could put forward sustainable solutions.

The focal person of Peoples Health Movement, Pakistan, Dr Talib mentioned that the Pakistani chapter of the movement was being strengthened. He announced that a meeting of the national chapter would be held on July 30. Dr Tanvir Sheikh of the HANDS, Sirajunisa Essani and Dr Kauser Khan also spoke on the occasion. -APP