Reflection on the right to health

Good health is based on the social determinants of health. Good health happens when there is peace. Good health happens when all citizens have status in their country and are protected by the same rules of law. It happens when people can be educated to their potential and work is available that allows families to live their fullest lives. Good health happens when people can worship God in peace and security and contribute to the wellness of their communities and countries. 

What happens when health is not a right for all the people in one country? Sadly, we see the consequences all around us every day. 

When health is not a right, then hospitals are bombed and patients are left to die without the necessities of life.

When health is not a right, then Indigenous children are taken from their families and communities and forced to live and learn in ways alien to and alienating from themselves. 

When health is not a right, then families face the agonizing decision of either selling their family home or business to pay for lifesaving medical care or watching their loved one die an untimely and unnecessary death. 

When health is not a right, then millions of women and children live stateless in refugee camps for decades with diminishing hope for themselves and increasing anger at a world that has forgotten about their existence.

When health is not a right, then millions of women from marginalized communities lack access to high quality obstetrical services and newborn babies die unnecessarily.

When health is not a right, then there are no mental health care facilities or medications or trained nurses and care staff to provide compassionate support for those who suffer from debilitating mental illness.

When health is a right for all peoples, then we are acting with mercy in the manner that Jesus portrayed in the actions of the good Samaritan. On World Health Day, we are reminded once again by Jesus to be merciful as the good Samaritan was merciful: “Go and do likewise.”