Securing Fairness and Wellbeing in a Land of Plenty 2005 View- Health

Health: Beyond a Disease Model Sheila Cronin

The World Health Organisation’s definition of health is “complete

physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of

disease or infirmity” (1967).

There needs to be a fundamental shift from the disease model of health

to the social determinant model of health. Our understanding of health

will determine how we prioritise the care of health and resource the

various activities, agencies and institutions that impact on the care of

health. Healthcare is a social right that every citizen should enjoy.

The standard of care of any health system depends on the resources made

available which in turn is dependant on the expectations of society. In

any democratic society this obligation is transferred through taxation

and insurance systems to government and other bodies who assume

responsibility for this.