Healthy Skepticism Library item: 13750

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Publication type: Journal Article

Trabert G.
[The development of the public health system between an increasing market orientation (commercialisation) and social responsibility].
Zentralbl Chir 2008 Feb; 133:(1):39-45
http://www.thieme-connect.com/DOI/DOI?10.1055/s-2008-1004667

Abstract:

The development of the public health system between an increasing market orientation (commercialisation) and social responsibility is critically reflected by examining the medical care of those who are deprived. Poverty in Germany is dramatically increasing. There are confirmed findings on the correlation of being poor and being ill. Poverty leads to an increased number of cases of illness and a higher mortality rate. And vice versa, chronic illnesses very often cause impoverishment. This correlation has largely been ignored not only by the public but also by experts, especially when public health-care issues are on the political agenda. With reference to the current discussion about public health-care and the widespread disregard of the living conditions of the poor, the categories of “reasonable behaviour” (Kant) and “communicative behaviour” (Habermas) are reflected on in a philosophical excursion. Further interest groups affecting the political sphere, such as the pharmaceutical industry, the medical profession, patients and scientists are also examined with regard to public health-care. What are the premises of a health-care discussion that is controlled by economic considerations, particularly when keeping in mind the humanistic and Christian ethics of our society? And what does this mean for our responsibility for those who are handicapped and are in need of our help? Do decision makers and participants of the health-care discussion satisfy these ethical challenges? And what are the effects of the so-called “social peace” on social cooperation and economic power of a country? The increasing market orientation (commercialisation) of the public health sector can only be accepted on the basis of practiced humanity and social responsibility. In the light of a human public health-care, deprived people are in need of our solidarity.

Keywords:
market orientation (commercialisation) - social responsibility (social justice) - poverty - ethics Publication Types: Case Reports English Abstract MeSH Terms: Adult Cost Control/economics Cost Control/ethics Cost Control/legislation & jurisprudence Delivery of Health Care/economics Delivery of Health Care/ethics Delivery of Health Care/legislation & jurisprudence Ethics, Medical Female Germany Health Services Needs and Demand/economics Health Services Needs and Demand/ethics Health Services Needs and Demand/legislation & jurisprudence Humans Marketing of Health Services/economics Marketing of Health Services/ethics Marketing of Health Services/legislation & jurisprudence Middle Aged National Health Programs/economics* National Health Programs/ethics National Health Programs/legislation & jurisprudence Politics Social Justice/economics* Social Justice/ethics Social Justice/legislation & jurisprudence Social Responsibility Uncompensated Care/economics Uncompensated Care/ethics Uncompensated Care/legislation & jurisprudence

Notes:

[Article in German]