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BOOK REVIEW |
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| Year : 1996 | Volume
: 50
| Issue : 2 | Page : 47-48 |
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Book review
Homai J De'Costa
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Correspondence Address:
Homai J De'Costa
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How to cite this article:
De'Costa HJ. Book review. Indian J Med Sci 1996;50:47-8 |
HEALTH IN EUROPE. -The 1993/ 1994 health for all monitoring report WHO Regional Publications, European Series No. 56. Sw. fr. 17. Prints and computer diskettes with graphics available: WHO Regional Office for Europe, Epidemiology, Statistics and Health Information Unit, DK 2100, Copenhagen.
This 58 page publication with numerous cross references, should be of interest to a wide spectrum of readers because it delineates, not only the diseases, but also the social problems of 850 million people residing in 50 different countries in the vast landmass extending between Greenland, the Mediterranean and the Russian Pacific border. Epidemiological data is usually irksome to peruse, but this report presents it enticingly with colourful graphics. The findings perturbed many of the participants at the Meeting. A health program had been outlined five years ago. But unforeseen recession, political upheavels, wars, crime and drugs had taken a higher toll than infections, cardiovascular diseases, malignancies, road-air accidents, or maternal and infant mortality. It was realised that the conglomerate was composed ofd advanced and advancing; countries; satellites groping to become nations;, leaders learning to govern a territory. Consequently, the source of data collection was feared to be unreliable in certain instances.
Nonetheless, some figures or incidences could not be ignored such as an infant mortality of 58/1000 live births in Nordic and west European countries, but 40/ 1000 live births in Central Asia. That poliomyelitis and diphtheria were still prevalent in some countries raised the issue of immediate mass immunisation to prevent their spread to the neighbouring countries. As expected, AIDS and drug addictions were on the rise and the elderly over 65 years of age formed a vulnerable, uncaredfor section of the society in every member state.
A strong plea was made at the Meeting to change the present state of public health care. It was proposed to have post-graduate courses for doctors leading to a degree, and so committing them to 'Public Health Action'. Paramedical supporting staff was to be augmented to assist the doctors. Greater use of cybernetics was also advocated. Doctors could tap-in for decision-making; children could privately clarify their queries regarding sex, or avail addresses for help in case of sex-abuse; youth could get sex advice, see the repulsive behaviour of alcoholics, drug addicts, or the sufferings of chronic smokers and AIDS patients. Adults could acquaint themselves with the early signs of cancer and hypertension. Indeed, Europe is now determinedly poised for a new model, `Public Health Action' : self - care, quality care and more personalised care, for all.
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