Archived: WMA Resolution on the Economic Crisis: Implications for Health
Adopted by the 59th WMA General Assembly, Seoul, Korea, October 2008
and rescinded at the 69th WMA General Assembly, Reykjavik, Iceland, October 2018
The current global economic crisis is affecting individuals as well as national and global economies and will have implications for health. Individuals face uncertainties about their future and psychological consequences are beginning to emerge. Governments facing economic downturns have to respond by cutting down national expenses. There is a risk that expenditure on health care will decrease nominally and proportionally in the coming years. Experience has shown that this response can have serious consequences on the health of individuals and on their contribution to the national economy. Any savings will therefore be reduced.
The WMA therefore urges NMAs to work with their governments to:
- Initiate programs for families and individuals needing medical and psychological support because of the current economic crisis.
- Preserve at least the current expenditure on health.