The history of healthcare in the world is simple too broad of a topic to talk about within a mere blog entry so all I am able to is focus on a section of international healthcare and its life's story. The world cannot yet be seen as one entity and is still seen as many countries. Each country has grown differently so obviously, their healthcare systems have had different approaches to growth as well. There isn't a health corporation out there that has completely globalized yet and can call itself an international company. However, there are international health organizations that exist worldwide. Not only do they exist, but their numbers and impact in society are both extremely big. International Health Organizations are known throughout the world as the savior of the needy. But, how did these organizations come to be? How did they get inspiration and what processes took them to where they are today. What are the differences between, for example, The Red Cross and The International Medical Corps? Well, let's get those questions answered.
Here's a brief history about the Red Cross. The Red Cross is perhaps the most renowned international health organization. The symbol of the red cross, which is...a red cross, can be identified by almost everyone in the world, just like how the McDonald's famous golden arches are. The largest health organization in the world, with a presence in over 178 countries and over 115 million volunteers, the Internation Red Cross (and Red Crescent Movement) began in 1859, following the lead of Henry Dunant. This particular organization's original goal was only to relieve the suffering of those who had been ravaged by the horrors of war. However, now, in the 21st century, the Red Cross has expanded its goals and now tries to help those who are in need of the necessities that are needed for a proper standard of life. Many basic clinics have been created throughout the world for the countries who are either too poor to afford proper healthcare for their citizens or are too corrupted to look after their own people. By providing doctors, training, and fundamental medications and supplies, the Red Cross has been able to bring longevity to places where everyday living was a health risk. However, even though the Red Cross has effectively brought healthcare to places where medicine and doctors were luxuries, they can't provide the constant medical attention that is needed by people. But, there is a global organization that can.
The International Medical Corps isn't as popular or renowned as the Red Cross. However, the services they provide are forever felt by those who they affect. The International Medical Corps, or IMC, is completely focused on providing adequate healthcare to anyone that needs it. It's not exactly health insurance, but it is free and actually good medical help. Formed much later than the International Red Cross, the IMC was formed in 1980 by Doctor Robert Simon of UCLA. He proposed that the less fortunate people of this world shouldn't receive poor, meager health services, but instead those equal to a community hospital. Many doctors felt the same way and decided to join his cause. The IMC has created dozens of hospitals in the world, each monitered by volunteer medics. Every region that bears one of the IMC clinics have bettered the health and lifestyles of the people living there.
So what's different about the Red Cross and IMC compared to privately owned national health corporations. Simple. Money. Since money is not the main goal of these organizations, then the true main goal can be seen clearly, which is bettering the health of others. Unlike the money sucking corporations that call themselves "hospitals", these organizations are only intent on the helping of others. That's what our governments and private health corporations need to do. They need to start thinking less about money and more about people. This way, global health can start strengthening.
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