It is an established and accepted fact that the health of the people in a country depends on the access to
a network of basic needs that includes nutritious food and health care. A conducive physical and
biological environment at the place of living and work, egalitarian social relationships, emotional well
being as and a peaceful social environment are all recognised determinants of health of any population.
To those of us working in the field of health, it is clear that there is a significant deterioration in the
conditions needed for people’s health.
Vital for health are not only the number of doctors, drugs and hospitals but also the distribution of these
resources and the access to these by all groups within the community. The functioning of the state and
the orientation provided by the political leadership of the nation are crucial to the administration of
health care and all the resources needed to lead a healthy life with dignity and freedom. Also critical is a
varied and balanced diet according to availability.
