Partners in Health: An Ideal Model for Developing Countries - Essay Example

In the book “Mountains Beyond Mountains”, the author Tracy Kidder narrates about the committed endeavors of Paul Farmer, a doctor, in meeting the health needs of the people bogged down by severe poverty. Farmer travels across the Globe on several occasions, solely to serve the underprivileged sections of various societies, by treating various ailments. He provides priceless service to the poor denizens of Haiti, Peru, Lima, and the prisoners of Russia, to cite a few. (1) The title of this book is very much appropriate to the situations faced by Paul Farmer.

A mountaineer often faces a situation where, the moment they complete ascending a mountain, they get aware that there are still several mountains remaining to be covered. Likewise, Paul Farmer is constantly in a situation where, the moment he attends to the medical needs of a group, it so transpires that there are several groups whose health needs have to be addressed. Yet, he is relentless in displaying top levels of commitment to battling the illnesses of poor people. (1) At this point, it needs to be specifically stated that ‘Mountains Beyond Mountains” subtly throws light on the relevance of the model adhered to by “Partners in Health”.

For, the pattern of service rendered by Paul Farmer is in no way different from the one that is an integral part of this model (of Partners in Health). Using the efforts of Farmer as the basis, the author strongly emphasizes that providing quality medical service to poverty-stricken people is in no way impossible! (1) The importance of the model of “Partners in Health” PIH (Partners in Health) is an organization based in the United States, and which is driven solely by the objective of providing quality medical care services to the poor people residing at different parts of the globe.

It has to be understood that the philanthropic activities of PIH are confined not just to the US, but also span across several regions of the World. PIH, which is a nonprofit entity, utilizes the services of highly competent medical professionals. (2) There should not be any hesitation in stating that the pattern followed by Partners in Health is the most ideal one for providing healthcare services. This is more so when the related scenario of the developing countries is taken into consideration.

It is a universally known fact that, in these regions (developing countries), a significant chunk of the population does not have access to medical care. For instance, it has been estimated that, in Haiti, for each section of the population comprising 50,000 persons, only one physician is available! Also, the exorbitant costs of medical services, at various facilities, are turning out to be a nemesis for the common citizens having economic constraints. (3) Coupled with an enhancement in the monetary compensation for medical professionals, adherence to PIH norms denotes being the most effective means of providing medical services to the poorer sections of society.

That can be rated to be the best model for meeting the medical needs of the underprivileged groups of the population.