ms.zahra's blog

With the debate over health-care reform in the United States stretching into its second year, Americans are focusing intently on domestic rather than global health issues. But, since taking office, President Barack Obama has introduced a new vision of how to help other countries combat disease and health-care inequality.

Petty criminals who break into condom vending machines are causing concern among Aids and HIV-prevention activists in the Indian city of Mumbai. Over 3,000 condom vending machines have been installed in the city as a part of an HIV Aids prevention programme. However, more than 500 of the machines have been damaged by petty criminals who break into them for fun, for small change or for free condoms. During the Hindu Diwali festival some were even damaged by fire crackers. Rajesh Nainakwal from the Hindustan Latex Family Planning Promotion Trusts (HLFPPT) - which provides the vending machines in conjunction with non governmental organisations - said there could be several reasons for these thefts.

I've read the information on this Civil Society National Consultation, first in The Hindu and then on this World Care Council website. I strongly agree with its aims and objectives. Yes, I'll become a partner.

This campaign is clearly needed here in India, and probably elsewhere too. No one has ever asked me (or any other consumers) what I want in terms of healthcare, nor what I think should be my rights and responsibilities. At every election, the politicians pronouce nice words about improving health and improving services, and nothing changes except the name or logo of the programme. I look ahead, and fear that my three children will have even less opportunity for good health care as the population continues to grow and health services continue to decline. If health is not moved up the list of priorities for the nation, than the future is grim for most of the population. I wonder if space program schemes are really more important than essential medicines.

The public must be encouraged to play a greater role in decisions about health services, and their needs and concerns should be heard and then addressed through government policies, and with the private sector filling the gaps at affordable prices. The people should have a system of voicing their opinions on health, and to develop agreement on what health services should be provided to all. Consumers should not only have a say, but also be able to hold the providers accountable if they do not keep their end of public health responsibilities.

I herein engage to volunteer my spare time to help with the specific working group which is considering how to reach out and get the views of millions of Indians. I will help to make democracy in health happen in India. Doing this might make my children's future a healthier one.

Zahra in Mumbai
zahrazele at gmail.com