Healthcare: a right, not a privilege
November 19, 2024—“Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and inhumane.”— Martin Luther King Jr
Along with food, water, shelter and education, access to healthcare is one of our fundamental human rights. The idea that everyone deserves access to essential medical services, regardless of their social status, nationality or income lies at the heart of an equitable and fair world. When healthcare is recognised as a human right, we all benefit — individuals, communities, countries. Public health improves, social inequalities diminish and economic stability grows. When you have access to a healthy life, you can live a happy life.
According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the World Health Organisation’s constitution, “The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being.”
Healthcare is a human right that, in many cases, is overlooked and disregarded. When we think of human rights, we tend to imagine a family with food on the table, a roof over their heads, a bed to sleep in at night. Rarely do we picture the yearly check-ups. Or emergency room visits. Or even picking up medicine from your local pharmacy. However, all of these scenarios, and so many more, are a key part of a comfortable and peaceful life.
Healthcare is quite literally a matter of life or death, and in some instances, the lack of it can result in prolonged illnesses and adverse difficulties. For many individuals, globally and here in Bermuda, barriers to healthcare access can be the difference between recovery and deterioration, hope and despair.
Globally, about 4.5 billion people lack access to basic healthcare. In Bermuda, about 12 per cent of the population has no health coverage, while an additional 23 per cent has only basic coverage, allowing them no more than a mere doctor’s visit annually. These statistics make us think, how do we, a country that has the fourth-highest GDP globally, not provide universal care for our people? In Bermuda, the country that has the highest cost of living in the world, the lack of healthcare is resulting in many of those with the greatest health needs being unable to access the necessary and adequate services.
In addition to the social gaps existing between people of different economic classes, specific groups are particularly at risk of poorer health outcomes relating to inequalities. For example, the disabled, homeless and migrant population of Bermuda. Disability can be a significant barrier to work and this can result in decreased health rates, as work is an important factor in promoting health.
In 2016, 1,174 people in the working-age population were unable to work because of disabilities. The 1981 Human Rights Act outlines that disability should not be a reason for disqualification from your place of employment. Statistically, globally and on the island, people with disabilities are more likely to die at younger ages, have worse health and experience more restrictions in everyday functioning.
Homelessness is another barrier stopping equal access to healthcare for all. A lack of resources, such as having no fixed address, makes it very difficult for the homeless population to access employment and healthcare. The pandemic resulted in further dilemmas for homeless people, with more than 50 per cent seeing the negative impact that Covid-19 had on their employment, income, and social and emotional wellbeing.
Migration status is another important determinant of health. Despite Bermuda’s migrant workforce falling into two broad socioeconomic groups: those on high salaries (traditionally in international business) and those on lower salaries (typically manual jobs or the hospitality industry), local data on migrant health remains low. However, the global data would suggest migrants are more likely to suffer occupational accidents and a lower health quality.
Access to healthcare is something we struggle with internationally and locally. Bermuda Is Love believes in creating a Bermuda where everyone has equal access to doctor visits, check-ups, medical procedures and everything else necessary for leading a healthy and happy life, regardless of circumstances or finances.
This month, we launched the #YourHealthYourFuture campaign, aiming to target the lack of access to healthcare in Bermuda. There were six events scheduled — all free of charge with no registration required. There was a yoga session at Astwood Park on November 2. Partnering with VeryRareYoga, we encouraged health, wellness, and everything in between. On November 9, Beyond Inclusion ran a fitness workout at the Botanical Gardens. Five days later, a Dementia Bermuda Talk was held at the Peace Lutheran Church, which encouraged conversation about such conditions.
On Thursday, Bermuda Is Love has organised a blood drive to promote the idea of young people donating blood. Every blood donation has the potential to save up to three lives, and every one of us has the power to make a difference. November 23 is the date of the Community Health Clinic, taking place at the Cathedral. Stop by for information, assistance and health tips. And, finally, on November 24, we will take our monthly trip to the Community Garden at T.N. Tatem to continue planting, gardening and growing! For more information about any of the events mentioned, check out our Instagram or Facebook page @Bdaislove.
The first step in achieving a world where this is the reality is by ensuring that all Bermudians understand the importance of equal access to healthcare for all. Healthcare is not a privilege but, rather, a right. Recognising healthcare as a human right affirms a commitment to human dignity, social equality, and physical and mental wellbeing for all.
Zarah Siddiqi, a Year 12 student at Somersfield Academy and member of Bermuda Is Love, is a passionate advocate for education
Originally published in The Royal Gazette