OPINION> Commentary
Good health is wealth indeed
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-06-25 07:20

Health problems may erode the gains from economic growth, says an article in Xinhua Daily. The following is an excerpt:

In recent years, quite a number of experts warned that in economically developed regions, health problems are eroding the economic gains. That is not only caused by environmental pollution, but is also related to factors like ecological imbalance, unsafe foods and unhealthy lifestyles.

According to statistics, from 1993 to 2003, the medical fees on diabetis rose 22.33 percent every year; the annual medical fees for cardiovascular diseases amounted to 130 billion yuan ($19.1 billion). From this, we can see that health problems are slowing down the pace of our wealth accumulation and our national economic growth.

To stop the erosion of health problems on economic growth, we must first of all accept the idea that "good health of the people is the wealth of a nation". The health of the people is closely related to national economic development, but the latter does not necessarily lead to the former. Economic growth without scientific development will harm the health of the people and reduce the wealth gathered from the growth and the country may even get impoverished because of the rising diseases.

The aim of developing our economy is to improve the living conditions of the people and let them live more healthy and happier. So, the health index should be a major indicator to evaluate the progress of a society, the competence of a government and the sustainability of a society.

Secondly, we should quicken steps to enlarge the investment in the national health sector. This investment not only supplies health services for the masses, but also guarantees the national wealth. It can ensure sustainable social and economic development.

Thirdly, we should beef up health management, which refers to the overall management of various health risks and health protective factors. It will gain larger rewards with less investment.

(China Daily 06/25/2008 page8)