HLTHAGE 1AA3 Lecture 14: Hans-Ulrich Deppe: Commodification and Solidarity cont'd
Document Summary
Confidence assumes responsible behaviour, fulfillment of a credible promise, based on reliability and good faith = this can not be bought and sold. Contract system of laws, confirm common intentions with fixed mutual obligations between persons more or less known to each other. Buyers and seller each interested in their own personal advantage. Contract to ensure enforcement of the agreement if there is a disagreement or breakdown. Commercialization of patient-physician relationship = service becomes a commodity to be produced and distributed under economic competition = patient becomes consumer or purchaser. Best customer is the one from whom the most money can be made. As economic competition increases so also does the demand for patient purchasing power. Solidarity = the human and social values on which society rests. Protected social sectors oriented to the common welfare and not the blind power of the market. Communication and co-operation in health not to be commercialized.