Similia Vol 30 No 2 – December 2018

Author: Dr Isaac Golden

Abstract

Introduction

The purpose of this paper is threefold; (i) to assess how healthy most Australians are as measured by recent national figures, (ii) to review a detailed  analysis of why health systems in many advanced countries are “unwell”, and (iii) to suggest possible action that could be taken to treat the cause of this modern ‘disease’.

Method

Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the Australian Bureau of Statistics are analysed. As well as the most comprehensive  assessment of the impact of multinational pharmaceutical companies on modern health systems is reviewed. Recommendations are developed from  this data.

Results

Data reveals that the average Australian is afflicted by at least one chronic disease, including a concerning 40% of young Australians. Australians are  living longer but less healthy lives, and the economic burden is growing. Intentional strategies by multinational pharmaceutical companies are shown  to be a significant cause of this problem. Their actions are often unethical, motivated by objectives which conflict with the goal of good health for all  citizens.

Discussion

This analysis focuses on the harm many medicines cause. Other factors can affect our health including poor food, toxins in our environment, stress at  work and at home and financial pressures. However, deliberate, unethical behaviour which causes harm to individuals, and which adds considerably to  the cost burden which our national health system imposes on all citizens, needs to be exposed and dealt with by our parliaments.

Conclusions

The Australian health system is not broken and has many commendable features especially in acute and emergency medicine, but it is not preventing  the growing rate of chronic illness among citizens, or an increasing burden on our budget. This can be corrected if our politicians so choose, possibly  encouraged by demands from better informed citizens. One significant factor is unethical behaviour by multinational pharmaceutical companies, and  more specifically by individuals who oversee the actions of these companies. They must be held to account, and this egregious waste of resources and unnecessary lowering of the quality of life of many must be stopped.