Access Denied: IFMSA Addresses Health Care Inequity

International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations
Reprinted with Permission

Almost 1,000 medical students from over 90 different countries gathered in Canterbury this August to tackle inequities in health care across the globe. The 56th August Meeting of the International Federation of Medical Students Associations returned to the UK with the theme, “Access to Essential Medicines.” It proved to be a fascinating, tumultuous, and at times controversial week.

The IFMSA is the largest student body in the world, founded in 1952 to provide a cohesive voice for medical students across the globe. Its biannual general assemblies aim to educate and inspire its members to take action on international health issues, each centered around a chosen theme. The decision by the UK to focus on “Access to Essential Medicines” (AEM) was taken in light of its key relevance to both the developed and developing worlds. More than 10 million deaths each year can be attributed to lack of access to life-giving medications, in direct contravention of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, entitling every citizen the right to “health and well-being of himself and his family, including … medical care and necessary social services”.   Read more »

Health Care Hot Topic: Tablet Splitting

Pill Splitting Adapted by Sarah M. Lawrence
Used with permission

Tablet splitting has become a popular method for controlling prescription drug costs. Many insurance companies offer free tablet splitters or other incentives to convince patients to purchase higher strength tablets and take a half tablet per dose. With the practice on the rise, the concerned practitioner may wonder: is this safe and effective for patients? Does the financial benefit outweigh the potential for adverse therapeutic outcomes? Read more »

Medical Students Tackle Inequalities In Healthcare

Access to Essential Medicines to dominate International Student Assembly

By SDN Staff, in collaboration with IFMSA

Almost one thousand of medical students from over 90 different countries will gather in Canterbury this August to address critical inequities in healthcare provision across the globe. The 56th August Meeting of the International Federation of Medical Students Associations will return to the UK with the theme “Access to Essential Medicines”.

Read more »

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