SUSHRUTA
Journal of Health Policy & Opinions
Universality of Social Health - Lessons from the Mahatma
Indranil Chakravorty PhD FRCP
Consultant Physician, St Georges University Hospitals NHS Trust & Deputy Postgraduate
Dean, Health Education England (London North Central & East)
Cite as:
Chakravorty I. Editorial: Universality of Social Health - Lessons from the Mahatma. Sushruta
Keywords
universal healthcare, NHS, Mahatma Gandhi, Commonwealth, glass ceilings, leadership
As you read the articles that I have had the pleasure to curate for this special edition of
SUSHRUTA, published along with the #BAPIOAC19 conference in London this wet and frosty
November, you will see glimmers of hope and aspirations of a broad-church of people that
make up the health service. NHS professionals come from all over the world, bringing their
cultures from distant shores that were once touched by the British Empire (now the
Commonwealth) You will also witness the ambitious plans for future proofing what is arguably
the best universal health system in the world. It is a time for 20/20 vision; we recognise not
only the challenges that face the UK population and the NHS but we also envisage how the
strengths of the diverse multi-skilled workforce come together in making the UK NHS star
shine even brighter.
This is a time when we will hear of many promises from the various contenders for the UK
parliamentary elections. As health professionals, we are sworn to absolute dedication to our
patients, their care and safety. Most of us would shun, both in public and private life,
involvement in any form of political discourse. As scientists we are trained to speak only when
the evidence is compelling and that too providing a balanced objective view, yet medicine is
an art and healthcare professionals are humanists. It is true that health professionals have
not ignored the power of political discourse in changing the fate of their patients and their
profession. In the 1500s medical practice in England was poorly regulated. Many ‘physicians’
were working with no formal training or knowledge. The leading physicians of the early 16th
century wanted the power to grant licenses to those with actual qualifications and to restrict
unqualified practitioners and those engaging in malpractice. A group of physicians led by
Thomas Linacre petitioned King Henry VIII to establish a college of physicians in 1518. Even
to this day, one of the key responsibilities of the Royal Colleges and professional organisations
remains to petition the government, present compelling evidence and seek changes that will
eventually improve the health of the nation.
BAPIO
Chakravorty I univ of health editorial (22.11.20)
vol12(1) 1
SUSHRUTA
Journal of Health Policy & Opinions
controversial figure in his homeland, but is a global leader and is revered across the world for
the principles with which he led his life and brought about enormous systemic changes for
the improvement of the lives of ordinary people. In his 150th year of birth, we have an
opportunity to reflect on how his belief in humanity, his principles of universal justice, self-
sacrifice and leadership from the frontline are as relevant today, as they were when he
undertook his 240 mile walk in 1939 across the salt flats of Gujarat in protest against the
unfair and draconian salt tax imposed by the British government. His leadership qualities such
as selfless service to humanity, self-sacrificial love, spirituality, integrity and humble living,
were emulated by many transformational world leaders who drew inspiration from his life.
He stood out for the essential principle that all men are equal and artificial distinctions based
on race and colour were both unreasonable and immoral. He practiced what he preached and
that can be such a powerful motivator for all. Unfortunately, in spite of the principles of
universality that is in the founding principles of the NHS, the reality can be very different.
There are significant differences in the health outcomes of segments of the population within
boroughs, post codes and health sectors. The trajectory of the careers of healthcare
professionals is no different; reflected in the differential attainment of students, the career
progression of workers and ‘glass ceilings’ that present often insurmountable hurdles for
ambitious individuals based on their gender, disability or racial characteristics. We will hear
of initiatives that are being led by individuals and institutions to change this paradigm and
close the achievement gap.
In this November national conference, we will be focussing on the multi-professional
workforce, listening to the experience of extended roles from pharmacists, physician
associates, advanced nursing, debate the funding models for the NHS, examine closely the
educational and training pathways and learn from innovators from across the globe. Through
our networks we will be reaching out to global health partnerships as we understand that
improvement in UK population health cannot be divorced from the impact of health care
related migration.
Organisations such as BAPIO, provide a voice to many who have often not been heard as they
have toiled tirelessly in keeping this massive social movement, the very best ‘Marigold Hotel’
afloat and thriving. Such organisations hold a mirror up to organisations, provide a friendly
challenge where there is a reluctance to open one’s eyes and most importantly offer solutions
in partnership, to move towards universality of access to the best healthcare for all patients
and opportunities with a level playing field for each and every professional to reach their
potential. This is the only way that a society can move forward and reach the World Health
BAPIO
Chakravorty I univ of health editorial (22.11.20)
vol12(1) 2
